Lawmakers say two recently passed bills save motorists time, enhance convenience

(The Center Square) – The Illinois legislature voted to provide motorists an option at the DMV of a four-year or eight-year driver’s license. They also approved the option of having a digital driver's license.

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.