Walker introduces bill to comply with Real ID Act

Gov. Bill Walker introduced legislation on Monday that would bring the state in compliance with the Real ID Act and prevent travel restrictions on Alaskans.

The Alaska Legislature passed a law in 2008 forbidding state funds to go toward implementing the federal law, which changes requirements for identification cards like driver's licenses.

Passed by Congress in 2005, the law is designed to strengthen national security. Some states pushed back against it, citing privacy concerns.

Walker noted in an announcement that the federal government has started enforcing the law, and if action is not taken residents risk being unable to enter military bases or go through airport security without a passport or another federally issued identification.

Read more: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2017/01/23/walker-introduces-bill-to-comply-with-real-id-act/