HB654

Report Title:

Matricula Consular

Description:

Allows the "matricula consular" to be accepted as proper identification for Mexican nationals in Hawaii.

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	654
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

relating to identification.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. The "matricula consular" is an identification card issued by the government of Mexico to Mexican citizens who can prove their nationality and identity. The card can be an important tool for undocumented immigrants in the United States who do not possess another form of identification.

Furthermore, the matricula consular can encourage Mexicans to report crimes and cooperate with law-enforcement officials because they need not fear being detained for lacking the proper identification and, ultimately, deported from the country. The cards can also be used for common activities, such as cashing checks or opening a bank account. Especially after September 11, 2001, the ability to prove one's identity in a more security-conscious society has increased in importance.

Numerous jurisdictions in the state of California accept the matricula consular as an official form of identification. Cities in Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas recognize the matricula consular, as well.

The legislature believes that Mexican citizens residing in Hawaii should also be permitted to prove their identity with the matricula consular.

SECTION 2. Chapter 846, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§846- Matricula consular. The matricula consular, an identification card issued by the government of Mexico to enable Mexican citizens to prove their nationality and identity, shall be accepted as official identification in the State; provided that the card includes the bearer's name, photograph, signature, date of birth, and current address."

SECTION 3. Section 329-62, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:

"(b) For the purposes of this section, "proper identification" means a motor vehicle operator’s license, [or] other official state-issued identification, or matricula consular, pursuant to section 846- , of the purchaser which contains a photograph of the purchaser; the residential or mailing address of the purchaser other than a post office box number, or the tax map key number if no other address is available; the motor vehicle license number of any motor vehicle owned or operated by the purchaser; a letter of authorization from the business for which any substance specified in section 329-61 is being furnished, which includes the general excise license number and address of the business; a full description of how the substance is to be used; and the signature of the purchaser. The person selling, transferring, or otherwise furnishing any substance specified in section 329-61 shall sign as a witness to the signature and identification of the purchaser."

SECTION 4. Section 486M-1, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending the definition of "government issued identification" to read as follows:

""Government issued identification" means:

(1) A passport issued by the United States of America;

(2) A [[]driver's[]] license issued pursuant to any state or District of Columbia law;

(3) An identification card issued by any state or local government or the Bureau of Indian Affairs; [or]

(4) An identification card issued by any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States of America[.]; or

(5) A matricula consular, as provided for in section

846- ."

SECTION 5. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 6. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________