February 20, 2007
State Lawmakers Encouraged by Real ID Activity in U.S. House
Rep. Allen's measure calls attention to problems inherent in federalization of state IDs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Conference of State Legislatures applauds Maine Representative Tom Allen for introducing legislation (H.R. 1117) that calls attention to the very serious problems inherent in the federal Real ID Act.
State legislators throughout the country support Real ID's goal of making driver's licenses secure, but are frustrated by the rigidity of the law's approach, the high costs it imposes on states and the unconscionalby long time it has taken the Department of Homeland Security to issue the regulations needed to implement Real ID.
NCSL is encouraged that Representative Allen and other members of Congress are taking steps to correct the problems associated with the law. NCSL's official policy statement calls for repeal of Real ID if, by December 31 of this year, Congress fails to adopt the necessary changes as outlined in NCSL's joint report, The Real ID: National Impact Analysis, and if they fail to provide full funding for the law. Representative Allen's legislation, therefore, is especially timely and NCSL looks forward to working with him and his colleagues to fix and fund the law.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staff of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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