DES MOINES, Iowa — An Iowa bill that would require a person’s citizenship status on identification cards was advanced out of committee on Thursday.

In January House Republicans introduced House Study Bill 37, which would require citizenship status to be listed on the back of driver’s licenses and nonoperator identification cards. At the time, Republican representatives said the purpose of the bill was to make it easier for poll workers to determine a person’s citizenship status when voting.

Those against the bill say they’re worried that having citizenship listed on identification cards could lead to discrimination.

On Thursday the bill passed out of the House Judiciary Committee along party lines by a vote of 14 to 5. The bill is now eligible for debate on the House floor.

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