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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
identification driver licenses; Native American
Purpose
Authorizes, if elected by a qualified applicant, the display of a distinguishing mark on a nonoperating identification or driver license that identifies the licensee as a Native American and outlines qualifying documentation.
Background
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT)
must issue a nonoperating identification or driver license to an applicant that
contains a distinguishing number, legal name, date of birth, residence address,
brief description and signature of the licensee. If an applicant submits
satisfactory proof or authorization, ADOT must allow a distinguishing mark or
medical code to appear on a nonoperating identification or driver license that
indicates the licensee:
1) wishes to be an organ or tissue donor; 2) is a veteran; or 3) suffers from
some type of adverse medical condition (A.R.S. ยงยง 28-3006;
28-3165;
28-3166;
and 28-3167).
Tribal enrollment criteria are set forth in tribal constitutions, articles of incorporation or ordinances. Uniform membership requirements do not exist as the criterion varies from tribe to tribe (U.S. DOI). As of December 11, 2024, there are 574 Indian tribes federally recognized by and eligible to receive services from the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs (U.S. BIA).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires ADOT to allow a distinguishing mark to appear on a nonoperating identification or driver license that identifies a qualified applicant as a Native American.
2. Stipulates that an applicant must:
a) elect to show the distinguishing mark; and
b) submit satisfactory proof that the applicant is an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe.
3. Designates the following documents as satisfactory proof that an applicant is an enrolled member of a federally recognized Indian tribe:
a) an enhanced tribal card or a tribal identification card;
b) a tribal certificate of Indian blood; and
c) a tribal or U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs affidavit of birth.
4. Prohibits the distinguishing mark from identifying a specific Indian tribe or other specific personal information that is contained in any document submitted to provide satisfactory proof.
5. Makes technical changes.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
TI 2/19/25 DP 6-0-0-1
3rd Read 3/10/25 38-18-4
Prepared by Senate Research
March 24, 2025
KJA/AG/slp