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State Sen. Andrew Chesney, R-Freeport, who supported Senate Bill
275, said the eight-year license is double the cost, but the
time savings and convenience will be attractive to many
motorists. Similarly, Chesney called House Bill 4592 a "good
bill" in a news release.
On the Senate floor, state Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Frankfort,
explained that upon request, motorists can get a mobile driver’s
license.
“This bill further provides that a mobile driver’s license may
only be issued in addition to and not in lieu of a physical
license or identification card,” said Hastings. “The bill also
provides that the display of the mobile driver’s license to a
law enforcement officer or any other person does not serve as
consent to search, view or access any other data on the mobile
device.”
Hastings, HB 4592’s sponsor, said the initiative is not just
about modernization for modernization’s sake, but it’s about
creating tangible benefits for Illinois citizens.
“Imagine a world where long lines at the DMV are a thing of the
past,” said Hastings. “Where updating your personal information
is as simple as a few clicks and where the security of your
identification is enhanced through cutting edge technology. With
electronic IDs and driver’s licenses, this vision becomes a
reality.”
Illinois lawmakers fear the convenience will only be afforded to
some motorists, not all.
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, D-Chicago, shared ACLU Illinois’
concerns on the House floor about HB 4592, which allows for your
driver's license to be digitized.
“There are concerns about expanding law enforcement access to
mobile devices in a way that might have some privacy concerns,
there may be issues requiring the internet to access the mobile
ID, which disadvantages people who don’t have Wi-Fi. Perhaps
[the bill] could permit commercial entities to discriminate or
charge higher fees, we see this in places that are refusing to
take cash,” said Cassidy.
Opponents of SB 275 point out that the eight-year license is
double the cost and that some motorists might not be able to
afford the upfront cost and will have to settle for a four-year
license. State Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria, sponsored the bill in
the House.
“[This bill] directs the Secretary of State to begin the
offering of an eight-year driver’s license, giving all our
drivers and constituents a little more time and convenience
without having to renew their driver’s license as frequently,”
said Spain.
Both SB 275 and HB 4592 passed unanimously out of both chambers
and headed to the governor for further action.
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