Bill Summaries: S10 (2025-2026 Session)

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  • Summary date: Jan 29 2025 - View summary

    Requires the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles (Commissioner), in new GS 20-4.13, to extend reciprocity to a mobile drivers license issued by another state if the license was issued subject to requirements substantially similar to the requirements for mobile drivers license issuance in the State.

    Expands the types of licenses included under mobile drivers license under GS 20-7(m1) so that it extends to licenses issued for any purpose, including identification (currently, no reference to identification). Now, requires the Commissioner to issue a mobile drivers license as a supplement to valid license upon request of an applicant for a mobile drivers license (currently, Commissioner has discretion to do so).  

    Amends GS 17E-4 and GS 17C-6 to require the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission and the NC Sheriffs’ Education and Training Standards Commission to add training to ensure appropriate interactions with mobile drivers license holders as part of their in-service training standards.  Adds mobile drivers licenses as a valid photo identification for voting purposes under GS 163-166.16 (photo ID requirements for in-person voting).  

    Effective July 1, 2026.

    Authorizes the DMV to contract with a qualified vendor or vendors to develop and implement the mobile drivers license system. Directs the DMV to do the following by no later than October 1, 2025:

    1. Develop and implement a public awareness program to inform the general public about the availability, functionality, and security of mobile drivers licenses.
    2. In conjunction with the North Carolina School of Government and the Department of Public Safety, develop and implement a training program designed to ensure law enforcement officers are appropriately equipped for interactions with mobile drivers license holders, to be made available by no later than January 1, 2026. At minimum, the training must address the protections afforded by the United States and North Carolina Constitutions and how those protections relate to mobile drivers licenses.
    3. Notify the State Board of Elections, the Department of Public Safety, and the Secretary of State of the pendency of mobile drivers licenses.
    4. Consult with the federal Transportation Security Administration throughout the development and implementation of the mobile drivers license system to ensure mobile drivers licenses comply with all federal laws and regulations

    Requires the DMV to adopt rules to implement the above listed requirements.