This bill (S.F. No. 2161) proposes an amendment to Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 171.071, subdivision 2, regarding the requirements for photographs on driver's licenses and identification cards for individuals who must wear medical head coverings.

Key Provisions:

1. Head Coverings for Medical Reasons:

   • If an applicant has suffered hair loss due to an accident, serious illness, or treatment, they are allowed to wear a hat or head covering in their official photograph, provided it does not obscure their face.

2. Continuous Medical Head Coverings:

   • If an applicant is medically required to continuously cover their head or scalp due to illness, injury, or treatment, they do not need to remove the covering for the photograph, as long as:
     
     • They provide a physician's statement verifying the medical necessity of the covering.
       
     • The covering does not fully obscure the applicant’s face.

3. Physician’s Statement Requirements:

   • The statement must confirm:
     1. The need for continuous head or scalp coverage.
     2. That the applicant cannot remove the covering.
     3. Whether the condition requiring the covering is temporary or permanent.
        
   • If the condition is temporary, the applicant must submit a new photograph upon renewal of their license or ID card.

This amendment aims to accommodate individuals who require head coverings for medical reasons while ensuring their identity remains clear in official identification documents.