Munich (dpa/lby) - Applying for a new identity card, submitting applications, registering a car - such administrative procedures should also be possible digitally everywhere in Bavaria in the future. This is a goal of the Bavarian digital law, which the state parliament approved on Wednesday. According to the Digital Ministry, it is the first of its kind in Germany. It creates a legal framework so that citizens, companies and organizations have sustainable digital offers and can use them securely.
The department explained that the law enshrines the digital rights of citizens and companies in the Free State. This includes, for example, the right to use digital services in exchange with authorities. Specifically, the law obliges the Free State and the municipalities to also provide "suitable administrative services" and other public services digitally via the Internet. A new competence center will help municipalities to offer user-friendly and uncomplicated digital services.
One trigger for the law was that in many municipalities the digital offerings have not yet been satisfactorily expanded. Anyone who wants to should still be able to go to the office.
"Our Bavarian claim is to also legally promote digital change," said Digital Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU). The law creates the legal framework so that everyone can benefit from the advantages of digitization. "The Digital Act enables progress, innovations in business and science, promotes the state at all levels and makes our administration fit for our modern society."
Originally, Gerlach had set the goal of passing the law last year. However, the final legislative decision in the state parliament was delayed by several months. The new digital law is now scheduled to come into force on August 1st.
