AB1210: Bill Text

AB1210,,1 2023 ASSEMBLY BILL 1210

April 11, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives Ortiz-Velez, C. Anderson, Shelton, Vining, Baldeh, Hong, Neubauer, Ratcliff, Emerson, Clancy and Bare, cosponsored by Senators Carpenter, Smith, Agard, Spreitzer and Larson. Referred to Committee on Transportation.

AB1210,,2 An Act to renumber and amend 343.14 (2) (br) and 343.14 (2) (es); to amend 66.1011 (1), 66.1201 (2m), 66.1213 (3), 66.1301 (2m), 66.1333 (3) (e) 2., 86.195 (5) (c), 106.50 (1), 106.50 (1m) (h), 106.50 (1m) (nm), 106.50 (5m) (f) 1., 106.52 (3) (a) 1., 106.52 (3) (a) 2., 106.52 (3) (a) 3., 106.52 (3) (a) 4., 106.52 (3) (a) 5., 111.31 (1), 111.31 (2), 111.31 (3), 111.321, 194.025, 224.77 (1) (o), 230.01 (2) (b), 230.18, 234.29, 343.03 (3m), 343.03 (3r), 343.14 (2j), 343.165 (1) (c), 343.165 (1) (e), 343.165 (3) (b), 343.165 (3) (c), 343.165 (4) (b), 343.165 (4) (d), 343.165 (7) (a) (intro.), 343.165 (8) (b) 4. m., 343.20 (1) (a), 343.20 (1) (f), 343.20 (1m), 343.20 (2) (a), 343.50 (3) (a) and (b), 343.50 (5) (b), 343.50 (5) (c), 343.50 (6), 343.50 (10) (c), 452.14 (3) (n) and 632.35; and to create 343.14 (2) (br) 2., 343.14 (2) (es) 2m., 343.165 (7) (c), 343.17 (3) (a) 16., 343.50 (5) (bm) and 343.50 (8) (c) 6. of the statutes; relating to: issuance of identification cards and operator’s licenses to undocumented persons.

AB1210,,3 Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

This bill provides that an applicant for a REAL ID noncompliant driver’s license or identification card is not required to provide documentary proof that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise lawfully present in the United States.

Under 2007 Wisconsin Act 20, certain provisions specified in the federal REAL ID Act of 2005 (REAL ID) were incorporated into state law, and these provisions became effective on January 1, 2013. Among these provisions was the requirement that the Department of Transportation follow certain procedures in processing applications for driver’s licenses and identification cards. However, under 2011 Wisconsin Acts 23 and 32, DOT may process applications for driver’s licenses and identification cards in a manner other than that required by REAL ID if the driver’s licenses and identification cards are marked to indicate that they are not REAL ID compliant and DOT processes the applications in compliance with DOT practices and procedures applicable immediately prior to the implementation of REAL ID.

Under current law, an applicant for a driver’s license or identification card, regardless of whether it is REAL ID compliant or REAL ID noncompliant, must provide to DOT 1) an identification document that includes either the applicant’s photograph or both the applicant’s full legal name and date of birth; 2) documentation, which may be the same as item 1, above, showing the applicant’s date of birth; 3) proof of the applicant’s social security number or verification that the applicant is not eligible for a social security number; 4) documentation showing the applicant’s name and address of principal residence; and 5) documentary proof that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise lawfully present in the United States. However, in processing an application for a REAL ID noncompliant driver’s license or identification card (noncompliant REAL ID), DOT is not required to meet the standards for document retention and verification that are imposed for REAL ID compliant products.

Under the bill, an applicant for a noncompliant REAL ID is not required to provide documentary proof that the applicant is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise lawfully present in the United States. Also, an applicant may, in lieu of item 1 above, provide an individual taxpayer identification number, a foreign passport, or any other documentation deemed acceptable to DOT and, in lieu of items 2 and 4 above, provide documentation deemed acceptable to DOT. If the applicant does not have a social security number, the applicant is required to provide verification only that he or she does not have one, rather than verification that he or she is not eligible for one. In processing an application for, and issuing or renewing, a noncompliant REAL ID, DOT may not include any question or require any proof or documentation as to whether the applicant is a U.S. citizen or is otherwise lawfully present in the United States. The bill does not change any current law requirements related to driver qualifications such as minimum age or successful completion of knowledge and driving skills tests.

Under current law, most driver’s licenses issued by DOT are issued for an initial two-year period and must be renewed every eight years thereafter. In general, an applicant for renewal of a driver’s license must pass an eyesight test and have his or her photograph taken with each renewal. Most identification cards issued by DOT are issued for an initial period of eight years and are renewable for eight-year periods thereafter, and applicants, generally, must have their photograph taken with each renewal.

Under the bill, an applicant for a noncompliant REAL ID who does not provide a social security number is issued a noncompliant REAL ID that has a four-year renewal period rather than an eight-year renewal period and that displays, on its face, the following words: “Not valid for voting purposes. Not evidence of citizenship or immigration status.” With each renewal, DOT has discretion whether or not to take a new photograph and, for a driver’s license, give an eyesight test. However, DOT must take a new photograph and, for a driver’s license, give an eyesight test at least once every eight years.

With limited exceptions, DOT may not disclose social security numbers obtained from driver’s license or identification card applicants. This bill prohibits DOT from disclosing the fact that an applicant has verified to DOT that the applicant does not have a social security number, except that DOT may disclose this information to the Elections Commission.

The bill also prohibits discrimination on the basis of a person’s status as a holder or a nonholder of a noncompliant REAL ID, adding this license status as a prohibited basis for discrimination in employment, housing, and the equal enjoyment of a public place of accommodation or amusement.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AB1210,,4 The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

AB1210,1 Section 1. 66.1011 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,6 66.1011 (1) Declaration of policy. The right of all persons to have equal opportunities for housing regardless of their sex, race, color, disability, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (g), sexual orientation, as defined in s. 111.32 (13m), religion, national origin, marital status, family status, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (k), status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (u), status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), lawful source of income, age, or ancestry is a matter both of statewide concern under ss. 101.132 and 106.50 and also of local interest under this section and s. 66.0125. The enactment of ss. 101.132 and 106.50 by the legislature does not preempt the subject matter of equal opportunities in housing from consideration by political subdivisions, and does not exempt political subdivisions from their duty, nor deprive them of their right, to enact ordinances that prohibit discrimination in any type of housing solely on the basis of an individual being a member of a protected class.

AB1210,2 Section 2. 66.1201 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,8 66.1201 (2m) Discrimination. Persons otherwise entitled to any right, benefit, facility, or privilege under ss. 66.1201 to 66.1211 may not be denied the right, benefit, facility, or privilege in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (u), or national origin status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,3 Section 3. 66.1213 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,10 66.1213 (3) Discrimination. Persons otherwise entitled to any right, benefit, facility, or privilege under this section may not be denied the right, benefit, facility, or privilege in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (u), or national origin status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,4 Section 4. 66.1301 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,12 66.1301 (2m) Discrimination. Persons entitled to any right, benefit, facility, or privilege under ss. 66.1301 to 66.1329 may not be denied the right, benefit, facility, or privilege in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (u), or national origin status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,5 Section 5. 66.1333 (3) (e) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,14 66.1333 (3) (e) 2. Persons otherwise entitled to any right, benefit, facility, or privilege under this section may not be denied the right, benefit, facility, or privilege in any manner for any purpose nor be discriminated against because of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (u), or national origin status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,6 Section 6. 86.195 (5) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,16 86.195 (5) (c) Conformity with discrimination laws. Each business identified as a motorist service on a specific information sign shall, as a condition of eligibility for erection, installation and maintenance of a sign under this section, give written assurance to the department that the business conforms with all applicable laws concerning the provisions of public accommodations without regard to race, religion, color, sex or, national origin, or status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,7 Section 7. 106.50 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,18 106.50 (1) Intent. It is the intent of this section to render unlawful discrimination in housing. It is the declared policy of this state that all persons shall have an equal opportunity for housing regardless of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, lawful source of income, age, or ancestry and it is the duty of the political subdivisions to assist in the orderly prevention or removal of all discrimination in housing through the powers granted under ss. 66.0125 and 66.1011. The legislature hereby extends the state law governing equal housing opportunities to cover single-family residences that are owner-occupied. The legislature finds that the sale and rental of single-family residences constitute a significant portion of the housing business in this state and should be regulated. This section shall be considered an exercise of the police powers of the state for the protection of the welfare, health, peace, dignity, and human rights of the people of this state.

AB1210,8 Section 8. 106.50 (1m) (h) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,20 106.50 (1m) (h) “Discriminate” means to segregate, separate, exclude, or treat a person or class of persons unequally in a manner described in sub. (2), (2m), or (2r) because of sex, race, color, sexual orientation, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, lawful source of income, age, or ancestry.

AB1210,9 Section 9. 106.50 (1m) (nm) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,22 106.50 (1m) (nm) “Member of a protected class” means a group of natural persons, or a natural person, who may be categorized because of sex, race, color, disability, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or stalking, lawful source of income, age, or ancestry.

AB1210,10 Section 10. 106.50 (5m) (f) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,24 106.50 (5m) (f) 1. Nothing in this section prohibits an owner or agent from requiring that a person who seeks to buy or rent housing supply information concerning family status, and marital, financial, and business status but not concerning race, color, disability, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, or, subject to subd. 2., age.

AB1210,11 Section 11. 106.52 (3) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,26 106.52 (3) (a) 1. Deny to another or charge another a higher price than the regular rate for the full and equal enjoyment of any public place of accommodation or amusement because of sex, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry or because a person holds or does not hold a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,12 Section 12. 106.52 (3) (a) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,28 106.52 (3) (a) 2. Give preferential treatment to some classes of persons in providing services or facilities in any public place of accommodation or amusement because of sex, race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry or because a person holds or does not hold a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,13 Section 13. 106.52 (3) (a) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,30 106.52 (3) (a) 3. Directly or indirectly publish, circulate, display or mail any written communication which the communicator knows is to the effect that any of the facilities of any public place of accommodation or amusement will be denied to any person by reason of sex, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry or because a person holds or does not hold a license under s. 343.03 (3r) or that the patronage of a person is unwelcome, objectionable or unacceptable for any of those reasons.

AB1210,14 Section 14. 106.52 (3) (a) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,32 106.52 (3) (a) 4. Refuse to furnish or charge another a higher rate for any automobile insurance because of race, color, creed, disability, national origin, or ancestry or because a person holds or does not hold a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,15 Section 15. 106.52 (3) (a) 5. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,34 106.52 (3) (a) 5. Refuse to rent, charge a higher price than the regular rate or give preferential treatment, because of sex, race, color, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry or because a person holds or does not hold a license under s. 343.03 (3r), regarding the use of any private facilities commonly rented to the public.

AB1210,16 Section 16. 111.31 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,36 111.31 (1) The legislature finds that the practice of unfair discrimination in employment against properly qualified individuals by reason of their age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, military service, use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours, or declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters, substantially and adversely affects the general welfare of the state. Employers, labor organizations, employment agencies, and licensing agencies that deny employment opportunities and discriminate in employment against properly qualified individuals solely because of their age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, military service, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours, or declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters, deprive those individuals of the earnings that are necessary to maintain a just and decent standard of living.

AB1210,17 Section 17. 111.31 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,38 111.31 (2) It is the intent of the legislature to protect by law the rights of all individuals to obtain gainful employment and to enjoy privileges free from employment discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, military service, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours, or declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters, and to encourage the full, nondiscriminatory utilization of the productive resources of the state to the benefit of the state, the family, and all the people of the state. It is the intent of the legislature in promulgating this subchapter to encourage employers to evaluate an employee or applicant for employment based upon the individual qualifications of the employee or applicant rather than upon a particular class to which the individual may belong.

AB1210,18 Section 18. 111.31 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,40 111.31 (3) In the interpretation and application of this subchapter, and otherwise, it is declared to be the public policy of the state to encourage and foster to the fullest extent practicable the employment of all properly qualified individuals regardless of age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest record, conviction record, military service, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours, or declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters. Nothing in this subsection requires an affirmative action program to correct an imbalance in the work force. This subchapter shall be liberally construed for the accomplishment of this purpose.

AB1210,19 Section 19. 111.321 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,42 111.321 Prohibited bases of discrimination. Subject to ss. 111.33 to 111.365, no employer, labor organization, employment agency, licensing agency, or other person may engage in any act of employment discrimination as specified in s. 111.322 against any individual on the basis of age, race, creed, color, disability, marital status, sex, national origin, ancestry, arrest record, conviction record, military service, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), use or nonuse of lawful products off the employer’s premises during nonworking hours, or declining to attend a meeting or to participate in any communication about religious matters or political matters.

AB1210,20 Section 20. 194.025 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,44 194.025 Discrimination prohibited. No motor carrier may engage in any practice, act or omission which results in discrimination on the basis of race, creed, sex or, national origin, or status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,21 Section 21. 224.77 (1) (o) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,46 224.77 (1) (o) In the course of practice as a mortgage banker, mortgage loan originator, or mortgage broker, except in relation to housing designed to meet the needs of elderly individuals, treat a person unequally solely because of sex, race, color, handicap, sexual orientation, as defined in s. 111.32 (13m), religion, national origin, age, or ancestry, the person’s lawful source of income, or the sex, marital status, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), or status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (u), of the person maintaining a household.

AB1210,22 Section 22. 230.01 (2) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,48 230.01 (2) (b) It is the policy of this state to provide for equal employment opportunity by ensuring that all personnel actions including hire, tenure or term, and condition or privilege of employment be based on the ability to perform the duties and responsibilities assigned to the particular position without regard to age, race, creed or religion, color, disability, sex, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or political affiliation, or status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r).

AB1210,23 Section 23. 230.18 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,50 230.18 Discrimination prohibited. No question in any form of application or in any evaluation used in the hiring process may be so framed as to elicit information concerning the partisan political or religious opinions or affiliations of any applicant nor may any inquiry be made concerning such opinions or affiliations and all disclosures thereof shall be discountenanced except that the director may evaluate the competence and impartiality of applicants for positions such as clinical chaplain in a state institutional program. No discriminations may be exercised in the recruitment, application, or hiring process against or in favor of any person because of the person’s political or religious opinions or affiliations or because of age, sex, disability, race, color, sexual orientation, national origin, or ancestry, or status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r) except as otherwise provided.

AB1210,24 Section 24. 234.29 of the statutes is amended to read:

AB1210,,52 234.29 Equality of occupancy and employment. The authority shall require that occupancy of housing projects assisted under this chapter be open to all regardless of sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, status as a holder or nonholder of a license under s. 343.03 (3r), status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, as defined in s. 106.50 (1m) (u), or creed, and that contractors and subcontractors engaged in the construction of economic development or housing projects, shall provide an equal opportunity for employment, without discrimination as to sex, race, religion, sexual orientation, or creed.