SB211 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Trip Pittman

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Greg J. ReedBill HoltzclawPhillip W. WilliamsGerald O. DialBryan TaylorTom WhatleyMark Slade Blackwell

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Immigration, legal status and/or proof of citizenship, valid documents for voter registration, same documents applicable for business transaction, military identification added as valid document, Act 2011-535, 2011 Reg. Sess. am'd.; Sec. 31-13-29 am'd.

Summary

Adds the United States Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card as acceptable proof to enter into a state or local government business transaction.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows a Uniformed Services Identification Card (US Military ID) to be used as proof of eligibility when engaging in a business transaction with the state or its subdivisions. It continues to require U.S. citizenship or lawful presence for these transactions, using DHS verification or other specified documents, and lets the Uniformed Services ID serve as an alternative to those documents. It defines what counts as a business transaction, sets penalties for violations, and requires enforcement to follow constitutional limits, with status verified by federal systems rather than independent state determinations.

Who It Affects

• People who enter into a business transaction with the state or a political subdivision (such as applying for licenses or renewing IDs) who can now use a Uniformed Services ID to prove eligibility.
• Military personnel or others who hold a Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card or a Geneva Conventions Identification Card, who can use those IDs to meet eligibility requirements.

Key Provisions

• Adds United States Uniformed Services Privilege and Identification Card to the list of acceptable documentation to prove eligibility to enter into a business transaction with the state or a political subdivision.
• Expands the definition of 'business transaction' to include activities like applying for or renewing motor vehicle license plates, driver's licenses, nondriver IDs, or business licenses; marriage licenses are excluded.
• Stipulates that aliens not lawfully present cannot enter into business transactions; requires that all business transactions be conducted with verification of citizenship or lawful presence.
• Allows individuals to demonstrate eligibility by presenting a Uniformed Services ID (US Military ID) or Geneva Conventions ID in lieu of other documents, with verification handled as described in the statute.
• Keeps existing DHS verification requirements and prohibits state officials from independently determining an alien's immigration status; enforcement follows federal procedures.
• Class C felony for violations of the section.
• Prohibits race, color, or national origin from being considered in enforcement, except as allowed by the U.S. or Alabama constitutions.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Elections