State Net: States Revolt Against the Federal Real ID Act
"States' anger over the federal Real ID Act -- the mandate for states to adopt by 2008 uniform, tamper-proof driver's licenses and ID cards as a hedge against terrorism -- has been on a low simmer ever since Congress passed the provision in 2005. Now, 22 states are poised to defy the federal requirements," says Rich Ehisen, editor of State Net Capitol Journal.
Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 27, 2007 -- According to State Net, lawmakers in 22 states aim to defy national driver's license requirements.
"States' anger over the federal Real ID Act -- the mandate for states to adopt by 2008 uniform, tamper-proof driver's licenses and ID cards as a hedge against terrorism -- has been on a low simmer ever since Congress passed the provision in 2005. But that simmer has turned to a full boil, with numerous statehouses rolling out bills this year to reject the law over concerns about how much it will cost, who will pay for it and whether it will actually make the country even less secure than under the current system," according to Rich Ehisen, editor of State Net Capitol Journal.
To date, at least 22 states have filed bills opposing Real ID starting with a non-binding resolution approved last month by the Maine Legislature, a measure meant more to catch Congress's attention than to declare an actual intent not to comply with the federal statute. That is definitely not the case in Montana, however, where the House this month approved a pair of bills (HB 384 and HB 287) that direct the state to disregard Real ID.
Variations of these proposals - some binding, some not - have also advanced in a handful of other states, including Vermont, Wyoming, Washington and New Mexico. That number could grow significantly, according to Missouri Rep. Jim Guest (R), who is working with lawmakers across the country to form a coalition opposing the Real ID Act. Guest believes as many as 35 states will ultimately introduce similar bills, a number he feels would give the movement real power to resist the federal law. "We are hopeful that if we get enough states that say they will opt out, Congress will have to take a more realistic look at it," Guest says.
Chief among state concerns is the projected cost to implement such a system and the potential for privacy violations.
Currently, 41 states and Congress are in regular legislative session.
About State Net
State Net (www.statenet.com) has helped organizations track legislative and regulatory developments for more than 30 years. Headquartered in Sacramento, CA, State Net monitors every bill in the 50 states, District of Columbia and Congress along with all state agency regulations. The company delivers online services, issue-based consultation and analysis that enables the nation's leading organizations to effectively respond to opportunities and risks in the states.
State Net Capitol Journal delivers coverage of issues, decisions, scandals and politics from all 50 states. Featuring analysis of emerging trends, state budgets, governors, legislatures and elections, Capitol Journal readers gain an intelligent overview of the states and issues each week.
References:
Ehisen, R. (2007, February 19). High Noon for Real ID? State Net Capitol Journal.
http://www.statenet.com/capj/20070219.pdf
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