ID legislation signed into law
Anthony Brown
Rep. Allen Andrews
Missourians will now have the option to obtain an ID that is compliant with the federal REAL ID Act thanks to legislation signed into law this week by the governor. A bill approved by the General Assembly during the 2017 regular session will make it possible for Missourians to get compliant identification so that they can board an airplane, or enter a military base or federal facility.
While the new law officially takes effect August 28, it will take up to two years for the new IDs to be available. However, because the state has acted to comply, supporters say Missouri will now qualify for a waiver from the federal government that will allow Missourians to continue using their current IDs until the new ones are available. The bill’s sponsor said he is confident the state will be successful in receiving an extension from the Department of Homeland Security to avoid the Jan. 22 deadline for Missourians to have compliant IDs.
Under the new law, Missourians will have the option to obtain a federally compliant driver’s license. The bill will also allow individuals with a non-compliant driver’s license to obtain a compliant version at no additional cost. For Missourians who do not want to comply with the REAL ID requirements because of privacy concerns, the legislation will allow them to request the existing style of Missouri identification that is not compliant with the federal act.
For those who want or need the federally compliant driver’s license, the bill will establish safeguards so that any additional data gathered is used only for purposes of issuing the identification. One provision would ensure the source documents to obtain an ID are stored on a server that is not connected to the Internet in order to prevent hacking of the database. The bill also includes criminal penalties for misuse or unlawful access of personal data.
As always, it is an honor to represent you!
Allen Andrews, State Representative, District 1, Missouri State Capitol, Room 135AB, 201 West Capitol Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Telephone: (573) 751-9465
Allen Andrews is the First District State Representative.
