Phoenix advances city ID card for undocumented immigrants, others The City Council voted 5-4 Wednesday night to issue a "request for information."

Dustin Gardiner | The Republic | azcentral.com

Phoenix will continue exploring a proposal to create a city photo-identification and service card, which could provide IDs to undocumented immigrants and other residents who struggle to get valid government ID.

The City Council voted 5-4 Wednesday night to issue a "request for information," inviting private-sector companies interested in managing the program to come forward with their ideas.

But the creation of an ID card is still far from becoming a reality.

As the council debated the measure, they learned a bill had been introduced at the Arizona Legislature to pre-empt any city-issued card from being used for other identification purposes. State Sen. John Kavanagh, R-Fountain Hills, is sponsoring Senate Bill 1017, which, if approved, would only allow cities to issue such cards for municipal services.

Despite a looming legislative battle, activists for a city ID cheered Wednesday's council vote. Dozens of people who filled the council's chambers jumped from their seats, clapping and hugging.

Leaders from the One Phx ID coalition, which has been lobbying the city for more than a year, said such an ID card would benefit residents who have problems obtaining other identification, like the homeless, immigrants and transgender people, who could select the gender of their preference.

The council vote came after hours of often emotional testimony, where residents said they had not reported violent crimes, such as domestic violence or rape, in the past because they were afraid a police officer would demand identification.

The Phoenix Police Department says it doesn't require an ID to report a crime, but officers can ask witnesses or victims of a crime to voluntarily provide an ID.

"It's a piece of plastic that, for some of you, may not mean anything since you already have one," said Viri Hernandez, a Mexican immigrant and coordinator of the One Phx ID coalition. "But for other people, it's completely life changing."

Some council members who voted against the card said it could wind up costing the city money at a time when it's already cash strapped. Other critics have called the proposal an attempt to skirt immigration laws and provide government benefits to those in the country illegally.

Councilman Jim Waring was the most vocal opponent of the proposal, saying a city ID would not provide anyone with more identification than they are entitled to under state law today.

"It's going to be a moot point because I'm sure the Legislature will prevent us from even issuing this card," Waring said. "Feelings were really invoked a lot, but the facts are a funny thing and we will accomplish nothing with this exercise."

Councilman Michael Nowakowski introduced the motion to advance the Phoenix ID and service-card concept, requiring that the program is "budget neutral" to the city. Other cities with ID cards, such as Oakland, Calif., have partnered with financial institutions to provide IDs that also serve as pre-paid debit cards and include user fees.

Wednesday's vote was not a final endorsement of the municipal ID concept. City officials said they will explore several options in terms of the card's purpose and function. A final council vote is expected next spring.

The city could decide to create: an alternative form of photo ID; a single city services card that allows residents to access public libraries, recreation and community centers, senior centers and golf courses; or some hybrid of an ID and service card.

If the city creates an ID card, city officials said, it could not be used to establish lawful presence in the United States, get a job, register to vote, obtain state or local welfare benefits or gain housing assistance. The municipal ID also would not be a primary form of identification, such as a U.S. passport or birth certificate.

However, a city ID could help residents access city services and facilities, open a bank account, rent housing and obtain medical care, officials said. Police said it could also assist officers in initially identifying someone pulled over in a traffic stop, but officers would still need to verify additional identification.

It is unclear what kind of documentation would have to be presented to receive a Phoenix ID.

Council members voted along partisan lines. Advancing the proposal were the body's Democrats, Mayor Greg Stanton and council members Nowakowski, Laura Pastor, Kate Gallego and Daniel Valenzuela.

Republican council members Waring, Sal DiCiccio, Bill Gates and Thelda Williams voted no.