87R2255 AJZ-D
 
  By: Canales H.B. No. 273
 
 
 
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
 
AN ACT
  relating to the establishment of a pilot program for the issuance of
  digital identification.
         BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
         SECTION 1.  Subtitle B, Title 7, Transportation Code, is
  amended by adding Chapter 526 to read as follows:
  CHAPTER 526. DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION PILOT PROGRAM
         Sec. 526.001.  DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
               (1)  "Department" and "driver's license" have the
  meanings assigned by Section 521.001.
               (2)  "Digital identification" includes digital
  driver's licenses and digital personal identification
  certificates.
         Sec. 526.002.  DIGITAL IDENTIFICATION PILOT PROGRAM. (a)  
  The department by rule shall establish a pilot program for the
  issuance of digital identification.
         (b)  In establishing the digital identification pilot
  program, the department shall:
               (1)  assess existing department infrastructure and
  identify changes required to implement the program;
               (2)  upgrade department infrastructure according to
  the department's findings under Subdivision (1);
               (3)  acquire a mobile application that:
                     (A)  displays digital identification that
  includes the information described by Section 521.121(a) on a
  wireless communication device;
                     (B)  includes an authentication and verification
  process for a wireless communication device; and
                     (C)  may be used in any location regardless of the
  location's level of wireless connectivity or cellular telephone
  service;
               (4)  deploy the digital identification mobile
  application at no cost to focus groups for testing and evaluation;
  and
               (5)  implement a law enforcement version of the
  application for field testing.
         (c)  Digital identification issued under this section may
  not be used or accepted as valid proof of identification.
         (d)  The department may contract with a third party to
  establish the pilot program described by this section if the
  contract is at no cost to the department.
         (e)  The department shall prepare a report containing the
  results of the pilot program and the department's recommendations.
  The department shall submit the report to the Public Safety
  Commission and the legislature not later than the 180th day after
  the date of completion of the pilot program.
         Sec. 526.003.  EXPIRATION. This chapter expires September
  1, 2023.
         SECTION 2.  The Department of Public Safety shall adopt the
  initial rules for the digital identification pilot program under
  Chapter 526, Transportation Code, as added by this Act, not later
  than February 1, 2022.
         SECTION 3.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives
  a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as
  provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this
  Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this
  Act takes effect September 1, 2021.