While this note from the ACLU may not seem directly related to NAIS it is important as it shows how the states are moving to resist the heavy hand of the federal government. Bravo to Idaho. Let’s see some more states follow suite. -WJ
Idaho Becomes Second State to Reject Real ID, ACLU Applauds Move, Urges Other States to Follow Suit(3/8/2007)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON - The American Civil Liberties Union today applauded Idaho for becoming the second state in the nation to reject participation in the Real ID Act. That law, enacted in 2005, lays the foundation for a national identity card. “Idaho and Maine are just the beginnings of the pending tidal wave of rebellion against Real ID,” said Charlie Mitchell, Director of the ACLU State Legislative Department. “Across the nation, local lawmakers from both parties are rejecting the federal government’s demand to undermine their constituents’ privacy and civil liberties with a massive unfunded mandate. Congress must revisit the Real ID Act and fix this real mess.” On a vote of 19 to 14, the State Senate today approved House Joint Memorial 3. The State House of Representatives had approved the bill unanimously on February 20. While the bill does not require the signature of Idaho Governor Butch Otter, he has also been a vocal critic of the Real ID Act. The bill states in part that Idaho, “shall enact no legislation nor authorize an appropriation to implement the provisions of the Real ID Act in Idaho, unless such appropriation is used exclusively for the purpose of undertaking a comprehensive analysis of the costs of implementing the Real ID Act or to mount a constitutional challenge to the act by the state Attorney General.” Nationwide, there is a growing rebellion against Real ID within the states. In January, the Maine legislature passed a resolution rejecting participation in the ID scheme, and similar legislation has been passed by one chamber in the legislatures of Arizona, Georgia, Montana, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, Washington and Wyoming. Bills rejecting Real ID have also been introduced in Hawaii, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina and West Virginia, with more expected in the coming weeks. “Idahoans have long stood up for privacy and we applaud the state legislature for standing for our fundamental rights,” said Jack Van Valkenburgh, Executive Director of the ACLU of Idaho. “In particular, we applaud State Representatives Phil Hart and Liz Chavez and State Senators Russ Fulcher and Mike Jorgenson for taking the lead on this issue. We are proud to join Maine in protecting privacy, and urge other states to follow our example.” An ACLU scorecard regarding the draft Real ID regulations is available at: www.realnightmare.org/resources/106
Contact: Media@dcaclu.org
More information about Real ID is available at: www.RealNightmare.org
Washington had one proposed Senate Joint Memorial and one proposed bill. Washington caved. It is tragic for the citizens of Washington who had great legislation this year but as was said recently by an influential agency, “We have a agenda”. Pitiful.
Comment Celeste — April 9, 2007 @ 6:04 am
After reading the ACLU scorecard on REAL ID, I don’t see how any state could even consider trying to implement it. Don’t those who are pushing this program have any concept of what an expensive, useless boondoggle it would be? Who gets rich on this? Data technology companies??
Comment Barbara — April 9, 2007 @ 7:07 am
Thank goodness our legislature came down on the right side of this one! We are working on the county commissioners for an anti-NAIS statement. Now to follow up with appropriate State legislators, too.
Hang in there Celeste. You have some REALLY bad representation from the over populated city areas, but the people will wake up with the incredible efforts you and Ron Ewart of NARLO and Cherie Graves of RDOWSm and I am sure many others, are putting forth. It’s tough, but you are not alone.
Comment Patricia Hampton — April 9, 2007 @ 7:23 am
This is good news. Now if we can only find a way to get the unlawful Idaho premises registery stricken…..!!
Comment Blaine — April 9, 2007 @ 1:13 pm
On www:naisinfocentral.net I did a comparison using Real ID to NAIS. See how they line up. If you find anything that needs to be added or you feel is incorrect let know.
Comment Gisela — April 9, 2007 @ 3:51 pm
Way to Go Idaho!
Oklahoma’s HB464 will stop Real ID in our state and has paased committee and is now going up for vote..from what we are hearing it should pass with flying colors!
Comment Janett Lytle — April 9, 2007 @ 10:33 pm
There are really strong analogies between NAIS and Real ID, including the government’s attempt to sidestep any real debate on the issue. Several other states are also coming out againt Real ID — the ACLU’s state-by-state map gives an overview.
I’m part of a grassroots coalition opposing Real ID; we’re focusing on a drive to get people to submit comments to the Department of Homeland Security by their May 8 deadline. We think that if we can get get broad public opposition to this on record — 100,000+ comments — it’ll lay the ground for a repeal, and also help reinforce other efforts such as the battle against NAIS. Please check out our blog for more information.
Thanks!
jon
[It is to be noted that the ACLU has repeatedly told us that NAIS is not an important issue because it doesn’t deal with people - apparently they don’t feel farmers, homesteaders and rural folk count. I have the emails from the ACLU to back up this. Irksome. I’ve seen the link all along to REAL ID and fascism, and covered this issue repeatedly, but apparently the ACLU just doesn’t get it. -WalterJ]
Comment Jon — April 10, 2007 @ 12:41 am
#5 Well I made a boo boo on the site address: Its http://www.naisinfocentral.net
Comment Gisela — April 10, 2007 @ 12:57 am