A bipartisan group of Maine lawmakers aims to end the state’s Real ID program, citing privacy risks and questioning its effectiveness against terrorism.
Rep. Laurel Libby is leading the charge with a bill to repeal the law that allows Real IDs. She believes it’s costly and doesn’t really protect us from threats.
Real IDs require a lot of personal info, like birth certificates and social security numbers. They also use facial recognition, which raises privacy concerns.
Maine has been hesitant about Real IDs for years, worried about government surveillance and a potential national database. They were one of the last states to comply back in 2018.
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who has been critical of Real ID, noted that civil rights advocates helped improve the law by preventing a national database.
Maine residents can still get regular IDs, but they’ll need extra ID for flying or entering federal buildings. Bellows encourages people to get Real IDs to avoid travel hassles.
Starting May 7, the federal government will require Real IDs or passports for domestic flights. Bellows thinks it’s unwise to stop issuing them since they’ll be necessary for travel.
If Maine doesn’t offer Real IDs, residents might have to pay more for passports. Real IDs are cheaper, costing about $9 a year, while passports are pricier.
The Department of Homeland Security is enforcing these ID requirements soon, but participation in Maine is low. Only about 25% of state IDs are Real ID compliant.
Libby’s bill mirrors efforts in other states to end Real ID programs. She hopes this will catch the attention of national leaders.
Concerns about privacy and tracking remain. The ACLU of Maine warns that Real ID could make it easier for the government to monitor citizens.
Kebede from the ACLU supports Libby’s bill, fearing that more participation legitimizes a flawed system. He worries about identity theft and increased surveillance.
