SF 2161 Minnesota Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Requirements modification of photographs on drivers' licenses and identification cards for certain individuals with a medical covering

This bill modifies Minnesota's rules for driver's license and ID card photographs, allowing certain individuals to wear head coverings in their photos without compromising identification. It applies specifically to people who have lost hair due to illness or injury, or who require continuous medical head coverage (like bandages) for health reasons. Applicants must provide a physician's statement confirming the medical need, that removal of the covering is not permitted, and whether the condition is temporary or permanent. If the condition is temporary, a new photo is required at license renewal. The change ensures photo requirements remain accommodating for medical needs while maintaining clear facial identification.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 6, 2025 Last action Apr 3, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduction 1st Engrossment · 4 edits · Apr 3, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was updated from its introduction to its first engrossment, changing the title to reflect a broader scope. The most significant policy change is the expansion of eligibility to include individuals who need to wear a medically required covering for their head or scalp due to serious illness or injury, in addition to those experiencing hair loss. This ensures that people with medical conditions requiring head coverings are not forced to remove them for their driver's license or ID photo, provided the covering does not obscure their face.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include individuals medically required to maintain continuous coverage of their head or scalp, whereas the original version only covered individuals with hair loss.
ELIGIBILITY

Expanded eligibility to include individuals with a medical requirement to wear continuous head or scalp coverings, not just those with hair loss.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the description of permitted items to explicitly include 'medically required covering' alongside hats and head wear.

Removed the separate section detailing specific conditions for medically required coverings, as these details were integrated into the main paragraph.

TECHNICAL

Changed the legislative status from 'Introduction' to '1st Engrossment' and updated the posting date.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Apr 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass as amended
upper
Mar 6, 2025
Committee
Referred to Transportation
upper
Mar 6, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors