Senate backs Real ID Act bill for drivers licenses

CARSON CITY — Despite objections from the ACLU and other groups, the Senate approved a bill today that would require the DMV starting in 2010 to begin issuing drivers’ licenses that comply with the federal Real ID Act. The bill has moved to the Assembly for action.

Senate Majority Leader Steven Horsford, D-Las Vegas, said he talked with Obama administration officials and felt it was important for Nevada to move to pass Senate Bill 52 into law. Today is the last day of the 120-day legislative session.

“I can assure you from the representation I received there is a full expectation (by the federal government) to move forward (with Real ID),” he said. “They are just changing certain things. We have to position Nevada to be in place as federal regulations are adopted.”

In a March 16 hearing, Horsford said the bill would create an unfunded mandate that forces the DMV to spend as much as $1.5 million of its own money to meet the requirements of the Real ID Act.

Legislators two years ago passed a resolution that called for Congress to repeal the Real ID Act. The bill passed the Assembly 41-0 and the Senate 20-1 with only Bob Coffin, D-Las Vegas, voting no.

The act is a widely criticized law that imposes new requirements on the states to verify the identity of people seeking driver’s licenses. The act grew out of concern in Congress that terrorists could illegally acquire drivers’ licenses.

Contact reporter Ed Vogel at evogel@reviewjournal.com or 775-687-3901.