Both Chambers Unanimously Approve Tribal ID Bill
Air Date:03/08/2011
By Kealey Bultena
Both chambers of South Dakota’s legislature have unanimously passed a bill that recognizes tribal I-D cards as a valid form of identification for bank transactions.
Sponsor and Democratic Senator Jim Bradford of Pine Ridge says a tribal ID is well-documented proof of identity.
"I’m talking about our elders especially, because a lot of those people do not have a drivers license. They go to cash their government check, they will ask for an ID, and they will use a tribal ID," Bradford says. "At the present time, that’s not allowable. Some do do it, but they do it at their own will."
Bradford says the measure incorporates a penalty for misuse of a tribal ID, just as it is with a drivers license. Tuesday the Senate approved the legislation without any opposing votes. House Bill 1242 now goes to the governor.
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