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Bill

HB 4191

VEH CD-DL INFO PROHIBITED USES

104th Regular Session Introduced by Curtis Tarver

Illinois bill prohibits selling/sharing driver's license and vehicle registration data except for specified government/law enforcement purposes, restricting private commercial access to state motor vehicle databases.

Referred to Rules Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 4191

Legislative bill overview

HB 4191 restricts how driver's license and vehicle registration information obtained from the Secretary of State can be used. The bill prohibits the sale, sharing, or use of this data for purposes beyond specified legitimate government and law enforcement functions. This creates a statutory framework limiting access to sensitive personal identification data currently housed in state motor vehicle databases.

Why is this important

Driver's license and vehicle registration information represents one of the largest personal databases maintained by state governments, containing names, addresses, photos, and identification numbers for millions of residents. Without restrictions, this data can be sold to private companies, used for mass surveillance, or accessed for purposes far removed from public safety. The bill addresses growing concerns about data privacy and unauthorized commercial exploitation of state-held personal information.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue impact: States generate significant revenue by selling motor vehicle data to private companies, insurers, and data brokers; this bill could eliminate or substantially reduce that income stream
  • Law enforcement scope: Defining which government and law enforcement uses are "legitimate" may prove contentious—some agencies argue broader access is necessary for investigative work
  • Implementation and enforcement: The bill would require mechanisms to track and audit data access, creating administrative costs and potential compliance challenges for state agencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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