Real ID license bill advances

The House Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee moved forward with a bill that would give Louisiana drivers the option of obtaining a Real ID compliant driver’s license.
Real ID is a set of federally mandated standards created by the 9/11 Commission and the Department of Homeland Security for official identification, with a 2020 deadline. All passengers must use a passport or other form of federal identification card to board domestic flights if they do not have a driver’s license or state identification card that complies with Real ID standards.
Ralph Hennessy, assistant director of aviation at Baton Rouge Metro Airport, testified people call the airport every day asking what type of ID they need to have to board a flight. At the moment Louisianans may use their driver’s license but starting in October they must submit another form of identification.
“We don’t know exactly how the TSA will handle it, but it may require additional screening at the security checkpoint,” Hennessy said about what Louisianans can do if the bill doesn’t pass. “Wherever else they are they will have these security measures as well. So if you think about it you are costing people time here and wherever they are traveling.”
Rep. Jimmy Harris, D-New Orleans, and Rep. Julie Stokes, R-Kenner, wrote identical measures, House Bills 701 and 702, in an attempt to move Louisiana forward in making this type of identification readily available. Harris said part of his passion for having Louisiana comply to the Real ID standards is he was about to board a plane in Newark, N.J, on the day of the 9/11 attacks on New York City.
Rep. John Guinn, R-Jennings, argued the Real ID compliance mandate violates citizens constitutional rights.
Harris’ proposal received a favorable 10-5 vote and advanced to the House floor.
Stokes’ bill was deferred and would be the second-chance option in case Harris’ bill does not receive House approval.
Stokes’ bill was deferred and would be the second-chance option in case Harris’ bill does not receive House approval.
A similar bill, Senate Bill 227, was approved by the Senate and sent to the House where it has been referred to the same Transportation Committee for future consideration, Harris noted. There are 39 specific requirements to make state ID compliant, and Louisiana currently meets 33 of them, he said.
In an unrelated matter, the committee moved favorably on House Bill 751by Rep. Walt Leger, D-New Orleans, that if passed would increase the fine for driving without a seatbelt from $25 to $50.
“Studies show that for every dollar that you increase the fine, usage increases by and lives are saved,” Leger said.