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Josephs: Real ID is a real problem

Introduces legislation with bipartisan support

HARRISBURG, March 5 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs wants Pennsylvania to join the growing number of states objecting to yet another federal unfunded mandate -- known as Real ID.

Real ID was enacted by Congress in 2005. Effective next spring, it creates a national standard for all driver's licenses by 2013, and requires states to implement it. Josephs' resolution would oppose these efforts because of the many problems it will create for the Commonwealth.

"Implementing Real ID not only will be a drain on Pennsylvania's finances to implement, at a cost of $100 million, it will cause confusion and delay for driver's seeking to renew their driver's licenses. It also will be an infringement on citizen civil liberties and state rights," Josephs said. "At least six state legislatures have already voted to ignore the federal law, and others are viewing the law with distaste and mistrust.

"The federal government says this law was enacted to protect citizens, but it actually could make it easier for us to be harmed," said Josephs, D-Phila., majority chairperson of the House State Government Committee.

Under the federal law, which purportedly was enacted as a way to prevent fraud after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, states would have to link their driver's license information to a national database. That database would be accessible by many entities, which could make it easier for personal information to be stolen, sold or even used for a purpose other than which Real ID was intended.

"The privacy of Pennsylvanians would be violated, directly as a result of Real ID," Josephs said.

"In addition, the law does not take into consideration safety issues related to confidential data regarding undercover law enforcement or stalking or harassment victims or others in potential danger. There is no exception for concealing home addresses for these groups of people," she added.

The law fails in other respects as well, Josephs said.

"It is neither the responsibility nor the business of government to collect and manage information on its citizens, yet this law will require states to do so. In addition to the onerous burden of record verification placed on the state and its citizens, compiling the massive database also could lead to numerous errors and false information, making it that much more difficult for citizens to verify their identities for normal, daily routines and activities, such as flying or opening up a bank account."

"While I support protecting our citizens from terrorism, it should not be done at the expense of essential civil liberties and rights. Real ID violates those rights and liberties guaranteed under the state and federal constitutions, and the states should not be forced to implement this until those problems are addressed."

The resolution (H.R. 100) was introduced today with bipartisan support. It has 23 co-sponsors.