Idaho will allow the Idaho Transportation Department to comply with the federal Real ID act, under legislation that just passed the Senate on a 27-7 vote and headed to the governor’s desk, so Idahoans aren’t blocked from using their driver’s licenses as acceptable ID to board planes or enter federal facilities like the Idaho National Laboratory. Backers said things have changed since Idaho lawmakers first enacted a ban on compliance with Real ID out of fear of an unfunded federal mandate and a possible federal tracking of everyone’s IDs. Now, the type of secure driver’s license ITD produces complies with the federal requirements, and most of the fears have dissipated.

Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens, said, “I appreciate the work that’s been done on this to protect our rights as much as we can, but I still have some concerns about where we’re at.” Vick said he’s still opposed to the bill, HB 513a, out of concerns regarding security and privacy. Sen. Bob Nonini, R-Coeur d’Alene, said, “I have some of the same concerns. … We’ve asked many questions. … Until I get those questions answered that ITD has not been able to answer, I’m just reluctant to support this bill.”

The seven "no" votes were from Sens. Bayer, Harris, Nonini, Nuxoll, Souza, Thayn and Vick. The measure already passed the House on a 53-14 vote.