SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s legislation to formalize mobile IDs and protect people’s personal device advanced to the House.

“Your phone holds some of your most personal information, and no one should be required to hand it over just to prove who they are,” said Cunningham, a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “Losing possession of your phone for so many of us means losing your wallet, your ID and a bank of your personal information and photos.” 

Senate Bill 3449 —an initiative of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias – would update state law to align terminology and requirements related to mobile identification, ensuring clarity and consistency as digital ID technology becomes more widely used. In addition to formalizing mobile IDs, this bill would prohibit any relying party, including law enforcement, from physically taking a person’s phone to verify a mobile ID. The provision would ensure individuals maintain control of their personal devices during the verification process.

“People shouldn’t have to risk exposing personal information just to show identification,” said Cunningham. “This bill ensures mobile IDs are used in a way that protects both privacy and security.”

Senate Bill 3449 passed out of the Senate and moves to the House for further consideration.