A measure introduced in the General Assembly, House Bill 70, would require citizenship status to appear on documents issued by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

A clear indication of citizenship status would be included on all driver’s licenses and personal identification cards issued by KYTC starting next year under the legislation sponsored by State Rep. John Hodgson, R-Fisherville.

“Placing citizenship status on state ID cards provides a quick way to verify if someone is eligible for activities like voting and serving on a jury,” said Hodgson. “People confused about the law could accidentally commit a felony by voting as a non-citizen, and we want to add an extra layer of protection to prevent that.”

Under HB 70, KYTC would be required to indicate on all new and renewed identity documents, such as operator’s licenses, personal identification cards, and commercial driver’s licenses, whether the holder is a citizen of the United States or a noncitizen authorized to be in the United States. This would be required starting January 1, 2027.

A number of other states, like Kansas, Florida and Tennessee, are considering requiring some type of citizenship status notation on driver’s licenses. Because the United States does not have a national ID card, it is up to the states to regulate their own ID processes.  

“Civic duties like voting and serving on a jury are reserved ONLY for citizens, and we need this simple commonsense measure to help people follow the law,” Hodgson added.

The legislation has been assigned to the House Transportation Committee, but no hearing date has been set yet. The committee meets each Wednesday during the legislative session, which runs through April 15.
 

Representative John Hodgson, R-Fisherville. (LRC photo)

Bud Kraft