Story Published:
Mar 13, 2008 at 8:16 PM MDT
Story Updated:
Mar 14, 2008 at 7:07 AM MDT
BILLINGS - Montana's governor is standing by the state's refusal to comply with the Real ID Act, calling the act "nonsensical." Governor Brian Schweitzer signed the unanimously-passed bill that prohibits the state from complying with the federal legislation. He says Montanans have nothing to worry about when the compliance deadline arrives in May.
"In May, and in June, just as we did last May and last June, when you get to the airport, you'll present your Montana driver's license and it'll be accepted, just the way it has been," Schweitzer says. "Homeland Security has already recognized that Montana has one of the most secure driver's licenses in America."
Department of Homeland Security officials maintain that driver's licenses from non-compliant states will not be accepted at airports or federal courthouses after May 11, which could lead to more intensive security screenings.
A group of senators, including Montana's Max Baucus and Jon Tester, has petitioned the Department of Homeland Security to waive the current implementation deadline, calling it "arbitrary and ineffective."
Montana is one of four states that have not filed for an extension past the current deadline. Schweitzer says he has no plans to file for an extension.
; "Click for 8 Day Outlook")
Friday, Mar 14 at 10:47 PM Cladari wrote ...
Wow, I am impressed. Finally a politician with the brass to just say no. Real ID is a slap in the face to all those who died for our freedom, it's just telling them, thanks for your death, we are going to go with the "show us your papers" agenda anyway.