The Transportation and Safety Committee on Oct. 12 advanced Senate Bill 1297, an administration measure that would set privacy and usage limits for voluntary digital driver's‑license credentials and include unrelated administrative updates to driver licensing.

What the bill does: As described by sponsor leadership and Department of Safety staff, the bill would authorize a voluntary digital driver's license (DDL) program and place limits on collection, retention, and use of personally identifiable information. The text specifies that participation is optional, a DDL may not be required in lieu of a physical license, geolocation data may not be collected or stored, and data retention for verification events is limited (committee discussion recorded a three‑day maximum retention for identity verification data). The bill also requires disclosure and opt‑in consent for biometric verification when third‑party services are used.

Agency explanation: Elizabeth Stroker, legislative director for the Department of Safety, described the DDL as an app‑based credential that must be verified by the department and stored securely; she emphasized that a simple photograph of a physical license would not meet program requirements. The department said DDL credentials could be cached into Apple Wallet for offline use where cellular connectivity is limited.

On voting: Committee members asked whether a DDL could be used for voter identification. Sponsor and committee leaders said the bill explicitly precludes using a DDL for voter ID and that a physical driver's license will remain the required document for voting.

Vote and next steps: The committee adopted the amendment and advanced the bill to the Senate calendar (recorded as 9 ayes). The Department of Safety said implementation could begin as early as the end of the year, subject to administrative steps and secure rollout.

Ending: Members encouraged public awareness and noted the department will provide additional operational details to legislators and staff as the program is implemented.