HB1239 • 2026

State identification requirements; provide exclusion for certain religious beliefs regarding photographs.

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 45-35-17 AND 45-35-5, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE AN EXEMPTION FROM PHOTOGRAPHED PICTURES FOR STATE IDENTIFICATION FOR THOSE WITH SINCERELY HELD BELIEFS THAT PROHIBIT PHOTOGRAPHY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

Did Not Pass

The latest official action shows that this bill did not move forward in that session.

Sponsor: Sanford
Last action: 2026-02-03
Official status: Dead
Effective date: July 1, 20

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide additional details about the implementation or enforcement of this exemption beyond the date it would take effect if passed.

State ID Exemption for Religious Beliefs

This bill allows people with sincere religious beliefs against photography to get a state identification card without a photo.

What This Bill Does

Changes the law so that people can apply for an alternative state ID if they have religious reasons against having their picture taken.
Updates the requirements for getting an identification card to include exceptions for individuals who do not want to be photographed due to sincerely held religious beliefs.

Who It Names or Affects

People who have sincerely held religious beliefs against having their picture taken.
The Mississippi Department of Public Safety, which issues state IDs.

Terms To Know

Sincerely Held Religious Beliefs: Beliefs that are deeply personal and important to an individual's faith or religion.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill did not pass during the session it was introduced.
It only applies to those with sincerely held religious beliefs against photography, not other reasons for wanting a photo-free ID.

Bill History

2026-02-03 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
02/03 (H) Died In Committee
2026-01-19 Mississippi Legislative Bill Status System
01/19 (H) Referred To Judiciary A

Official Summary Text

State identification requirements; provide exclusion for certain religious beliefs regarding photographs.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

H. B. No. 1239 *HR43/R2039* ~ OFFICIAL ~ G1/2
26/HR43/R2039
PAGE 1 (GT\KP)

To: Judiciary A
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026

By: Representative Sanford

HOUSE BILL NO. 1239

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTIONS 45-35-17 AND 45-35-5, MISSISSIPPI 1
CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE AN EXEMPTION FROM PHOTOGRAPHED PICTURES 2
FOR STATE IDENTIFICATION FOR THOSE WITH SINCERELY HELD BELIEFS 3
THAT PROHIBIT PHOTOGRAPHY; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES. 4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI: 5
SECTION 1. Section 45-35-17, Mississippi Code of 1972, is 6
amended as follows: 7
45-35-17. Subject to available appropriations, the 8
Commissioner of Public Safety shall establish an alternative state 9
identification card that does not conflict with the requirements 10
of the federal Real ID Act of 2005, except that this card shall 11
not require proof of domicile for persons who do not have a 12
domicile to list or a photograph for those who have a sincerely 13
held religious belief that prohibits photography of themselves. 14
SECTION 2. Section 45-35-5, Mississippi Code of 1972, is 15
amended as follows: 16
45-35-5. Data for the issuance of an identification card 17
shall include a birth certificate or other document to establish 18
the age and identity of the applicant, the social security number 19
H. B. No. 1239 *HR43/R2039* ~ OFFICIAL ~
26/HR43/R2039
PAGE 2 (GT\KP)
ST: State identification requirements; provide
exclusion for certain religious beliefs
regarding photographs.
of the applicant, and such other identifying data as is required 20
on an application for issuance of a driver's license, except as 21
otherwise provided in Section 45-35-17 for those who have a 22
sincerely held religious belief that prohibits photography of 23
themselves. 24
SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from 25
and after July 1, 2026. 26