Senate Adopts Senator Robbins' REAL ID Resolution

Federal mandate would create hardships, imperil police operations

Yesterday the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 126, a measure introduced by Senator Bob Robbins (R-50) that urges the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation to support measures to repeal the REAL ID Act or at least delay its implementation until sufficient funds are available to adequately cover the costs of implementation and an amendment is made to preserve essential civil rights.

The REAL Act creates a national identification card by mandating federal standards for state driver's licenses and identification cards and requires states to share their motor vehicle databases. States must implement the Real ID Act by May 11, 2008.

"While I support federal efforts to prevent additional terrorist attacks on our country, I have concerns with several issues in this Act," Senator Robbins said "The machine-readable information on the cards could contain errors and false information which would create hardships for those who use this federally-approved ID card. In addition, this sensitive information could also put undercover law enforcement personnel at risk or endanger victims of crimes such as domestic violence, stalking, or criminal harassment."

The Real ID Act is projected to cost the Commonwealth upwards of $100 million to implement. If states do not or are unable to comply by the deadline, residents of those states will no longer be able to use their driver's license to board planes, enter federal buildings or open bank accounts.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322