The civic record
Read. Follow. Verify.Iowa Senate File 164 bars voter registration through driver's license and public service applications for non-citizens
Last action · February 4, 2025: Subcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler. S.J. 194 .Sponsor: Sandy Salmon
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What This Bill Would Do
Senate File 164 prohibits state voter registration agencies, including the Department of Transportation, from using driver's license, nonoperator's identification card, or public service applications as voter registration applications if the applicant provides documentation showing they are not a U.S. citizen.
Changes state voter registration procedures by requiring agencies to screen out individuals who submit proof of non-citizenship during driver's license or public assistance transactions.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Non-citizens applying for state identification or public services
State department of transportation office of driver services
The office must withhold voter registration processing when an applicant provides documentation of non-citizenship.
Voter registration agencies
Agencies handling public services or assistance must cease providing voter registration services to applicants who submit proof of non-citizenship.
Key Facts
- Driver's license and nonoperator's identification card applications submitted to the department of transportation will not serve as voter registration applications if the applicant submits documentation demonstrating they are not a U.S. citizen.
- Voter registration agencies are prohibited from providing voter registration services with applications for services, assistance, recertifications, renewals, or address changes if the person submits documentation showing they are not a U.S. citizen.
- The secretary of state is directed to adopt administrative rules in cooperation with voter registration agencies to carry out the requirements regarding public assistance and service applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this bill apply to all driver's license applicants?
Which agencies are affected by this legislation?
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News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
2 actions- Feb 4, 2025SenateSubcommittee: Rozenboom, Schultz, and Winckler. S.J. 194 .
- Jan 29, 2025SenateIntroducedIntroduced, referred to State Government. S.J. 161 .
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
Exclusion from Automatic Voter Registration
The bill creates a specific exemption to Iowa's motor voter registration framework by withholding registration opportunities based on documented non-citizenship.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.legis.iowa.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance60How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz45Current news / social attention level
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