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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fifth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
schools; universities; consular identification cards
(NOW: consular identification; validity; biometric verification)
Purpose
Permits the State of Arizona or its political subdivisions 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).
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. Defines biometric identity verification techniques as including fingerprint identification and retina scans.
3. Makes technical changes.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Removes the requirement that school districts, charter schools, Arizona public universities and community colleges accept consular identification cards as a valid form of identification.
Senate Action
ED 2/16/21 DPA 5-3-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 26, 2021
JO/gs