KEY TAKEAWAYS: Louisiana House committee advanced a bill adding U.S. citizenship proof to driver’s licenses. The measure would include a bald eagle symbol indicating citizenship status. Lawmakers debated its effectiveness compared to the federal Real ID system. The bill now heads to the full House, with implementation tied to OMV upgrades.   Future Louisiana driver’s licenses would include proof of U.S. citizenship under a bill advanced by the state House Transportation Committee March 23. House Bill 613 by Republican Haughton Rep. Dodie Horton would add the image of a bald eagle on licenses as proof of U.S. citizenship if the bill becomes law. It comes as Congress debates the SAVE Act supported by President Trump and congressional Republicans that would require proof of citizenship to vote. It’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote in U.S. elections. Opponents of the SAVE Act argue that it will disproportionately disenfranchise voters who are young, nonwhite and low income. Horton said she has the support of the parish registrars of voters that she has spoken to about the bill. Office of Motor Vehicles personnel testified that if the bill becomes law it won’t add any additional requirements to securing a driver’s license or any increased cost to the license fee. The bill cleared the committee on an 8-5 vote largely along party lines, with all Republicans supporting the legislation, though Democratic Rep. Pat Moore joined Republicans in voting for the measure. “I think this would avoid some of the issues we might run into if the SAVE Act passes,” Moore said. But other Democrats, like Shreveport Rep. Joy Walters, were skeptical, especially since the “eagle” proof of citizenship would only be recognized in Louisiana, unlike the federal Real ID program already in place that is recognized nationwide. “If it’s only recognized in the state I don’t think it serves the full intent,” Walters said. If passed, Louisiana won’t implement the law until the OMV completes its technology upgrade, which is underway but without a specific completion date. The bill now moves to the full House for debate. Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Louisiana may add proof of U.S. citizenship to driver’s licenses Reporting by Greg Hilburn, Shreveport Times / Shreveport Times USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect ...read more read less