Harrisburg – State Rep. John Siptroth (D-Monroe/Pike) addressed his colleagues on the House floor today, urging them to support his resolution to oppose implementation of the federal Real ID requirements. Siptroth’s resolution (H.R. 296) was adopted 200-0.

“Implementing the Real ID requirements on the strict timeline provided by the federal government would be an untenable and an overwhelming financial burden on Pennsylvania and states across the country,” Siptroth said. “Sixteen other states have already adopted resolutions similar to mine, and another 13 are considering them.”

Real ID sets unrealistic requirements and timelines for states to implement heightened security measures for driver’s licenses and identification cards, Siptroth said.

The Real ID Act of 2005 is a federal law calling for a higher level of security for issuing driver’s licenses. Implementation is required by May 2008. The program is voluntary; however states that choose not to opt in will inconvenience their residents, who no longer will be able to use their driver’s license as identification when flying.

Siptroth said the high costs will come as a result of technological advances state motor vehicle agencies will have to implement. There are additional concerns regarding the privacy of personal information that will be stored in huge, centralized databases.

The lawmaker said the importance of improved security is not in dispute, but the lack of federal funding for implementation of the mandated program is.

“The federal government has found a new way to fund some of the nation’s most challenging and expensive programs – through unfunded mandates on the states,” Siptroth said. “We simply cannot meet this burden when Pennsylvania is tasked with finding solutions to our own state’s looming transportation crisis, along with other pressing issues like health care and property taxes.”