SOS-PRIVATE INFORMATION

Amends the Illinois Identification Card Act and the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that "personally identifying information" includes, among other things, an individual's date of birth, height, weight, hair color, eye color, email address, and registration plate number. Restricts the release of personally identifying information within the Secretary of State's office to employees who have a need to know the information for issuance of driver's licenses, permits, or identification cards and investigation of fraud or misconduct. Provides that the Secretary may release highly restricted personal information only to: (1) officers and employees of the Secretary who have a need to access the information for the issuance of driver's licenses, permits, or identification cards and investigation of fraud or misconduct, (2) law enforcement officials for a criminal or civil law enforcement investigation, (3) the State Board of Elections for the purpose of providing the signature for completion of voter registration, and (4) any other entity the Secretary has authorized by rule. Provides that photos, signatures, and documents proving an applicant's identity for the obtainment of an identification card or driver's license are confidential and shall not be disclosed except to: (i) the individual to whom the card was issued, upon written request, (ii) officers and employees of the Secretary of State who have a need to have access to the stored images for purposes of issuing and controlling driver's licenses, permits, or identification cards and investigation of fraud or misconduct, (iii) law enforcement officials for a civil or criminal law enforcement investigation, and (iv) other entities that the Secretary may exempt by rule. Provides that the Secretary retains the right to require additional verification regarding the validity of a request from law enforcement to access social security information and that, if social security information is disclosed by the Secretary for official purposes, no liability shall rest with the Office of the Secretary of State or any of its officers or employees. Effective immediately. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Removes registration plate numbers from the definition of "personally identifying information". Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Provides that the Secretary of State may authorize (rather than exempt) by rule certain entities to access personal information that is otherwise protected from disclosure.