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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session
schools; universities; consular identification cards
Purpose
Permits the State of Arizona, political subdivisions and schools to accept consular identification cards as valid forms of identification if biometric identity verification techniques are used.
Background
Currently, statute prohibits the State of Arizona or any of its political subdivisions from accepting a consular identification card, that is issued by a foreign government, as a valid form of identification (A.R.S. § 41-5001). Consular identification cards are issued by some governments to identify their citizens living in a foreign country. While consular identification cards do not certify legal residence within a country, card holders can use this identification to obtain a driver’s license, open bank accounts and show proof of identity to police (U.S. Government Accountability Office).
A parent or person with custody of a child must enroll the child and ensure they attend a public, private or charter school for the full time school is in session. In compliance with guidelines adopted by the Arizona Department of Education (ADE), school districts and charter schools require and maintain verifiable documentation of Arizona residency for pupils who enroll in the school district or charter school (A.R.S. § 15-802).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Authorizes the State of Arizona or any of its political subdivisions to accept a consular identification card as a valid form of identification, if the foreign government issuing the card uses biometric identity verification techniques.
2. Requires a school district or charter school to accept a consular identification card to show verifiable documentation of Arizona residency, if the card was issued using biometric identity verification techniques.
3. Requires any university under the jurisdiction of the Arizona Board of Regents or community college to accept a consular identification card as a valid form of identification, if the card was issued using biometric identity verification techniques.
4. Defines biometric identity verification techniques as including fingerprint identification and retina scans.
5. Makes technical changes.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Prepared by Senate Research
February 12, 2021
JO/gs