OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- The Oklahoma House has voted overwhelmingly for legislation that would bring the state into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act.
House members voted 78-18 Thursday for a bill to comply with the anti-terrorism measure involving identification cards. It now goes to the state Senate for consideration.
Gov. Mary Fallin issued the following statement expressing her pleasure in seeing the bill advance.
“I’m pleased to see the House of Representatives taking action on this measure so early in the legislative session.This measure addresses the necessary steps to meet all the requirements of the REAL ID Act. I look forward to similar quick action in the Senate. We cannot burden Oklahomans with the additional cost and hassle of providing identification to gain entrance to federal buildings, military bases or federal courthouses. Failure to approve this measure also will force those with just Oklahoma driver’s licenses to have additional identification in order to board a commercial airliner beginning in January.”
What is REAL ID? Get answers to your questions here
A 2007 Oklahoma law prevents the state from fully implementing REAL ID, which involves adding security features to state-issued driver's licenses and ID cards. Federal officials have said Oklahoma IDs cannot be used to board a commercial aircraft if they aren't compliant by January 2018.
Opponents claim REAL ID is an invasion of privacy. But the measure's author, Republican Rep. Leslie Osborn of Mustang, says most states have already complied and its approval in Oklahoma is "way overdue."
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