Is Real ID still considered a serious issue by State-to-Federal agencies?

A BTC SPECIAL PODCAST

IN OBSERVANCE OF A JANUARY 2013 DEADLINE, a House Judiciary Subcommittee reviewed REAL ID policies and benchmark compliance for States issuing drivers licenses and ID cards. DHS has "kicked the can" twice on deadlines to implement the national identity program. Many wonder if this is still an issue the federal government takes seriously. AAMVA, the NCSL, the NGA and others have released some updated opinions on how to proceed with continued compliance for State drivers license rules. Some believe some lobbys are overlooking a legal contest with State laws banning compliance to Real ID's federal requirements.

ACLU's privacy and technology counsel, Chris Calabrese, adds his insights on the relevance of todays hearing and how Real ID, national ID and other related database initiatives will impact the ability to vote and travel in the near future.

Today's Real ID Hearing & Committee Witness Statements

Hearing Information: The Secure Identification: The REAL ID Act's Minimum Standards for Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards

VIDEO OF HEARING [Starts at approx. 30:00]




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• Statement from House Judiciary Chairman Lamar Smith
• Written Testimony of [DHS]Office of Policy Assistant Secretary David Heyman
• Coalition Letter to the House Opposing Any Efforts to Force Compliance with Real ID

Highlights from Twitter

BeatTheChip

Heyman says "It's hard to move a national program when 1/4 of the States are not in compliance." - and no plan to extend deadline.

ACLU Live 

Rep Jackson [Lee] calls #RealID a "stalled law ready for burial"

BeatTheChip ‏

25 States addressed by Reps. Judy Chu & Sheila Jaskson Lee

ACLU Live ‏
Interesting - not a single rank and file Republican in attendance#RealID hearing. #NationalID making them uncomfortable?

ACLU Live  

#RealID supporter: it will fix ID theft. But putting all birth certs and other docs in big electronic databases is a honeypot for thieves