Bill to Recognize Tribal ID Cards Signed into Law

Bill to Recognize Tribal ID Cards Signed into Law

On Tuesday, April 3rd, Governor Walker signed Senate Bill 488 into law.

Senate Bill 488 allows the use of Tribal identification cards for a variety of purposes. This bill came in response to discussions during the Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations, and was authored by Senator Jerry Petrowski (R-Marathon) and Representative Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz).

“Tribal IDs look and feel just like a Wisconsin driver’s license and often require higher security to obtain,” said Senator Petrowski. “This bill removes arbitrary barriers to Tribal Members by finally recognizing their identification cards for basic everyday activities.”

Senate Bill 488 allows the use of Tribal identification cards for picking up prescription medications, purchasing alcohol, purchasing cigarettes or tobacco products, selling scrap, selling antiques, and selling secondhand articles to a pawnbroker. The Federal Government already accepts a Tribal identification card as an acceptable form of ID for passports and proof of identification for voting.

Photo By the Menominee Nation News

“As Chair of the State-Tribal Relations Committee, I’ve been working on this issue for a couple of sessions,” expressed Senator Mursau. “Allowing the use of a Tribal ID is especially important for our elder Tribal Members who carry it as their only means of identification. I’m thankful to all of the Tribes who provided feedback and traveled to Madison over the years and advocated for these necessary changes to our state law.”

On hand for Governor Walker’s signing the bill into law was Chairman Chris McGeshick and Tribal Treasurer Vickie Ackley.