Real ID bill passes Senate Finance

The Senate Finance Committee Monday approved an amended version of the bill implementing federal Real ID requirements. DMV Director Edgar Roberts said that, with the amendment, many of the major complaints by opponents of the measure should be greatly reduced.

In a major shift, the new language states that no one can be denied the right to board an aircraft solely because he or she lacks compliant identification.

Roberts said people with regular drivers' licenses would still be able to board an airplane within the U.S. They would need a compliant ID or a passport to fly internationally.

Other changes include eliminating the requirement that states provide all other states access to information in their drivers' license databases. That requirement was strongly opposed by people concerned about privacy issues.

It eliminated the mandate that states keep both a digital and paper copy of all documents used to verify a person's identity, allowing states to decide which format they want to keep records in. It clarifies the ability of states to issue non-compliant licenses for those people who don't want to go through the full licensing process.

People would not have to have their real street address on their license.

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, told the rest of the committee he can support the bill with the amendment. He said the bill would get the state ahead of the federal schedule for implementation so that it is ready when those mandates are imposed.

Committee Chairman Bernice Mathews, D-Sparks, voted no on the motion to amend and pass SB52.