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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Babette Josephs |
  
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Josephs supports efforts to halt Real ID implementation in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG, June 27 – State Rep. Babette Josephs today cast her vote in support of a bill that would prohibit the Commonwealth from implementing the federal Real ID Act.
Real ID, which was enacted by the federal government in 2005 on the premise that it would make the country safer from terrorism, requires states -- at their own cost -- to implement national standards for driver's licenses and photo identification cards. This includes linking information on Pennsylvania's citizens to a national database, which would be accessible by many entities and could make it easier for personal information to be stolen, sold or used for a purpose other than that for which Real ID was intended.
"Implementing Real ID not only will be a drain on Pennsylvania's finances to implement, at a cost of $120 million to $140 million, it will cause confusion and delay for drivers seeking to renew their driver’s licenses. It also will be an infringement on citizens' civil liberties and states' rights," Josephs said. "Ten other state legislatures have already rejected the federal law by statute, and many others have passed resolutions in opposition, and rightly so. Pennsylvania needs to follow suit."
The bill (H.B. 2537) also would give the governor and attorney general the authority to file a legal challenge against the federal law, if they decide it is warranted.
Josephs also supported a House resolution (H.R. 767) adopted Friday that asks Congress to repeal Real ID. In addition, Josephs has introduced her own legislation and co-sponsored others against Real ID implementation.
"The federal government says this law was enacted to protect citizens, but it actually could make it easier for us to be harmed," she said.
"The federal 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.
"Real ID is nothing less than a national identification card forced on the citizens and paid for by the states. It contravenes states rights; makes no allowances for transgendered citizens; makes us all vulnerable to identity theft; costs the state untold millions; increases driver's license fees; violates our privacy and exposes the addresses of domestic violence victims. All this and it will do nothing to save us from terrorism."
House Bill 2537 has been sent to the Senate for consideration.
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