SB37 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul Sanford

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Business transaction, changed to license transaction, renewing a motor vehicle license tag, a driver's license or nondriver identification card, or a business license, not included, proof of citizenship not required, Act 2011-535, 2011 Reg. Sess. am'd.; Sec. 31-13-29 am'd.

Summary

SB37 replaces 'business transaction' with 'license transaction' and limits citizenship verification to initial license applications, not renewals.

What This Bill Does

The bill changes the rule so that only initial license applications (for motor vehicle plates, driver's licenses/nondriver IDs, and business licenses) would require proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence. Renewals of those licenses, as well as marriage licenses, are not considered license transactions and thus are not subject to citizenship verification. When a license transaction occurs, the person must demonstrate citizenship or lawful presence, verified through DHS systems, and aliens not lawfully present would be barred from these transactions; violations carry a Class C felony. Enforcement protections about race and the use of DHS verification (8 U.S.C. 1373(c)) are maintained, with the act taking effect immediately upon passage.

Who It Affects

• Individuals applying for initial motor vehicle plates, driver's licenses/nondriver IDs, or business licenses would need to prove citizenship or lawful presence; aliens not lawfully present would be barred from these transactions.
• Individuals renewing those licenses (or applying for a marriage license or other non-included licenses) would not be required to prove citizenship, since renewals are not license transactions.

Key Provisions

• Replaces 'business transaction' with 'license transaction' in Section 31-13-29, Code of Alabama 1975.
• License transaction includes initial applications for motor vehicle plates, driver's licenses/nondriver IDs, and business licenses; renewals are excluded; marriage license is excluded.
• Aliens not lawfully present cannot enter into a license transaction; all license transactions must be conducted with citizenship or lawful presence demonstrated.
• Verification of lawful presence can be done through DHS systems (SAVE) or other DHS verification under 8 U.S.C. 1373(c).
• Violation of these provisions is a Class C felony.
• Enforcement may not consider race, except as allowed by the U.S. and Alabama constitutions.
• Effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.

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

Subjects

Motor Vehicles