FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, April 20, 2023

Bills would advance BMV modernization efforts

AUGUSTA — Two bills with public hearings in the Legislature’s Transportation Committee this week would advance the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ modernization efforts.

LD 1390, “An Act to Provide Self-service Motor Vehicle Services in Rural and Other Areas” from Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast will have its public hearing Thursday afternoon. LD 1341, “An Act to Modernize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles' Mobile Services” from Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, had a public hearing on Tuesday afternoon.

“Technology modernization so that we can better serve the people of Maine is one of my top goals as Secretary,” said Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. “Finding ways to innovate how we deliver services like with self-service kiosks or a truly mobile BMV unit will help us better serve all Mainers, and particularly those living in the rural parts of our state.”

Sen. Curry’s bill would have the BMV install eight self-service kiosks that would provide ease of access to some of the most used services like renewing a driver’s license or identification card, updating an address, or registering a vehicle. Kiosks would be installed in locations convenient to Mainers like grocery stores or public libraries. Kiosks would be installed in areas of the state that are less accessible to the Bureau’s 13 branches. At least fourteen other states, including Colorado, South Dakota, Ohio, and New Mexico, have self-service kiosks.

"As we move further into the 21st century, we must be innovative in using technology to reduce barriers and increase equitable access to state services for all of our constituents,” said Sen. Curry. “LD 1390 is an important step in that direction, bringing much-needed services closer to home for thousands of Mainers living in rural areas, enabling them to handle their motor vehicle needs without the burden of excessive travel or taking hours off from work."

Rep. White’s bill would establish a truly mobile services program with two fully-integrated mobile units. The mobile units would be able to go directly to underserved populations, for example immigrant and refugee communities or homeless shelters, or places where residents have difficulty getting to a branch, like a veterans’ home or retirement community. Many other states have similar mobile units already. For example, Colorado’s mobile units have desks inside with the same equipment as a branch office would, eliminating the need to set up equipment at a physical location, or to enter into leases or agreements for space at local buildings.

“Allowing the BMV to deploy two mobile units to bring mandatory motor vehicle services to more rural parts of our state will help more residents easily access critical services,” said Rep. White. “This bill will help bridge the current accessibility gap in these areas and help support older Mainers, low-income families and those who simply do not have a vehicle to get to a branch.”

Both bills will have work sessions scheduled in the coming weeks, followed by votes in the House and Senate.

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