Study: Most States Preparing For REAL ID

  • Jun 19, 2007
The Coalition for a Secure Driver's License, a group of 9/11 family members and other concerned citizens advocating tighter identification requirements for state-issued driver's licenses, recently announced a new assessment of all 50 states reveals most have either moved forward in preparing for compliance on REAL ID, defeated anti-REAL ID legislation or not taken up the issue. The REAL ID Act, which puts into law a recommendation of the 9/11 Commission, establishes a minimum standards for secure state-issued driver's licenses.

REAL ID has been discussed at length in state legislatures during the spring session -- however, to date, the majority of states have not considered legislation or resolutions that outright reject the REAL ID Act. To date, 46 out of 50 states have not passed any laws opting out of REAL ID.

"Now that most state legislatures are nearing the end of their sessions, it's time to take a closer look at the REAL ID debate," said Neil Berro, executive director of the Coalition for a Secure Driver's License. "Eleven states have already introduced legislation to prepare for compliance with the REAL ID Act; it's my understanding that many of the larger states will be REAL ID compliant by 2008. Contrary to impressions left by some who oppose more secure driver's licenses, only four states have enacted laws that opt out of REAL ID. Furthermore, many of the states often categorized as rejecting REAL ID have done so by passing non-binding resolutions, which are political statements but have no legal implications. If Congress would simply provide some federal funds to help states comply, that would address the lion's share of states' concerns."

46 out of 50 states have not passed any laws opting out of REAL ID.

Only 11 states out of 50 have even enacted laws and resolutions related to the REAL ID Act:

  • Four states (South Carolina, Montana, Washington and New Hampshire) have passed binding legislation forbidding the state from participating in the REAL ID Act implementation. Citizens of these states will be at a great disadvantage by no longer being able to use their driver's license to board planes and trains, enter a federal building, and much more.
  • Five states (Arkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine and Tennessee) have passed resolutions declaring opposition to the REAL ID Act. These resolutions express opinion and carry no legal weight. They do not affect how the states would implement REAL ID.
  • Two states (Oklahoma and Georgia) have passed resolutions permitting their governors to delay implementation until further review of the regulations but these resolutions do not outright reject REAL ID.

Only seven other states (Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas and West Virginia) have pending legislation and/or resolutions that outright reject the REAL ID Act. Four of these states with pending proposals (Arizona, Minnesota, Missouri, and West Virginia) also have bills pending that reject adoption of the REAL ID Act. These bills would prohibit state agencies from taking any action to comply with the REAL ID Act. However, five of these states' legislative sessions have already closed (Colorado, Minnesota, Missouri, Texas and West Virginia) with no further action on the pending legislation.

Six states (including Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas and Wyoming) have non-binding resolutions pending that oppose REAL ID. These resolutions carry no legal weight and would not affect how the state would implement the act. Five of the six states' legislative sessions have already closed with no further action on the pending resolution.

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.