Real ID Dispute

Tools

By Scott Beadle

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.

Saturday, Mar 15 at 7:29 AM FU wrote ...

What this Country needs is a terrorist attack (obviously 9-11 is forgotten) to make people realize certain levels of security, while an inconvience to the minority, is for the safety of the majority.

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.

Friday, Mar 14 at 9:23 AM ML wrote ...

Hello, what are the other states, and so our driver's license is accepted at the Billings airport, what about on the return trip??????

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Icon
Current Temp 46.0 °F
Showers in Vicinity
Wind : Northeast at
15.0 mph
Humidity : 37 %
Pressure : 30.12 in
More Weather

State Farm Sky Cam

More Weather

AP Video

On Demand

Stock Quotes
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Cast Your Vote

School District 2 trustees plan to travel to California and New York to continue the interview process in the superintendent search. Do you agree or disagree with this use of funds?

  • Agree
  • Disagree
  • No opinion

Links We Like