Johnson County supervisors unanimously approve community ID program

IOWA CITY - Johnson County is the first municipality in the Midwest to approve the issue of a community identification card.

Supervisors unanimously voted to approve the program in a vote Thursday, April 9.

It would offer a form of photo identification without requiring proof of citizenship or other immigration status. Supporters, including several county departments, say the card will increase safety because those with a form of identification are more confident about dealing with law enforcement.

The measure received backing from the police departments in Iowa City, Coralville and North Liberty, along with the county attorney's office and the Center for Worker Justice of Eastern Iowa. County auditor Travis Weipert estimated it would cost about $20,000 initially to start the program, but would eventually become self-sufficient.

The cards, which would resemble a driver's license or state ID card, will cost $10 for an adult and $5 for a child.

Several other municipalities, including San Francisco in 2009 and New York City earlier this year, have already launched community ID programs.

Johnson County officials say they hope to begin issuing IDs in June or July.