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Oklahoma Senate passes REAL ID Act bill

Posted at 3:09 PM, Feb 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-28 17:21:07-05

OKLAHOMA CITY - The Senate passed a house bill Tuesday which would make Oklahoma compliant with the federal REAL ID law. 

House Bill 1845, which passed as an emergency measure, was approved by a 35-11 vote.

“The Oklahoma Senate approved a measure that solves a problem the vast majority of Oklahomans wanted us to tackle. This bill brings us into compliance with the federal REAL ID law but also offers an opt-out for those who don’t want a REAL ID license,” said Mike Schulz, R-Altus. “Solving this issue has always been primarily about national security. This measure ensures the countless Oklahomans who work on military bases maintain access to those facilities so they can continue their important work supporting the men and women in our Armed Forces."

“This bill also means Oklahomans will continue to enjoy the convenience of using an Oklahoma driver license to board a commercial flight. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for supporting this legislation and working quickly to get it passed this session. I also appreciate Governor Mary Fallin and House Speaker Charles McCall for their leadership in moving this issue forward,” Schulz said.

The bill ensures that Oklahomans who choose to get the READ ID compliant driver license will be able to use it to fly or enter federal buildings and also gives citizens the option of choosing a non-compliant driver license or ID, officials said.

Gov. Mary Fallin released the following statement about the measure:

“I’m pleased to see the Legislature work so quickly on this important issue. We cannot burden Oklahomans with the additional cost and hassle of providing identification to gain entrance to federal buildings, military bases or federal courthouses. And most certainly we can’t let them down by forcing them to have additional identification in order to board a commercial airliner in January. I look forward to receiving this bill on my desk.”

The bill will now go to Fallin for her signature. 

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