By NORMA LOVE
Associated Press Writer
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ The New Hampshire Legislature took a baby step Tuesday toward rejecting what they say amounts to the creation of a national ID card.
The House Transportation Committee voted unanimously to recommend barring the state from complying with the federal REAL ID Act, which sets standards for driver's licenses. The full House next considers the bill.
Rep. Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, said Congress went too far in passing the law.
''We have to uphold the constitution,'' he said. ''We will not be blackmailed by the federal government.''
Committee Chairman Jim Ryan, a Franklin Democrat, said New Hampshire needs to send a clear statement that ''we believe the federal government has strayed too far.''
Last year, New Hampshire led the way in opposing the law _ a move now being considered by other states.
Earlier this month, President Bush bowed to pressure from the nation's governors and Congress and granted states until Dec. 31, 2009, to comply. Two years ago, Congress set a deadline for states to comply with uniform licensing standards by May 2008.
The law passed in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It requires all states to bring their driver's licenses under a national standard and to link their record-keeping systems. States must verify identification used to obtain a driver's license, such as birth certificates, Social Security numbers and passports.
Driver's licenses not meeting the standard won't be accepted as identification to board a plane and enter federal buildings.
At a hearing last week, opponents argued the law was too intrusive. They also said the risk was too great that thieves would gain access to information needed to steal people's identities if a national database was created.
In January, Maine lawmakers adopted a nonbinding resolution opposing the law.
Rep. Neal Kurk, R-Weare, the prime sponsor of New Hampshire's bill, says 26 states have either legislation or resolutions in the works opposing REAL ID. He said 11 states have legislation facilitating compliance _ some of which also have measures opposing the act.
Last year, New Hampshire's House voted against participating and Gov. John Lynch said he would sign the bill, but the Senate rejected it. New Hampshire also was one of two states picked to pilot the program, but Lynch and the Executive Council did not approve the $3 million grant.
Last month, Lynch reiterated his concerns that too many questions remained about the cost, privacy and turning motor vehicle workers into de facto agents of Homeland Security. He said implementing the federal identity system could cost New Hampshire tens of millions of dollars.
Lynch reiterated Tuesday he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
Associated Press Writer
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) _ The New Hampshire Legislature took a baby step Tuesday toward rejecting what they say amounts to the creation of a national ID card.
The House Transportation Committee voted unanimously to recommend barring the state from complying with the federal REAL ID Act, which sets standards for driver's licenses. The full House next considers the bill.
Rep. Sherman Packard, R-Londonderry, said Congress went too far in passing the law.
''We have to uphold the constitution,'' he said. ''We will not be blackmailed by the federal government.''
Committee Chairman Jim Ryan, a Franklin Democrat, said New Hampshire needs to send a clear statement that ''we believe the federal government has strayed too far.''
Last year, New Hampshire led the way in opposing the law _ a move now being considered by other states.
Earlier this month, President Bush bowed to pressure from the nation's governors and Congress and granted states until Dec. 31, 2009, to comply. Two years ago, Congress set a deadline for states to comply with uniform licensing standards by May 2008.
The law passed in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. It requires all states to bring their driver's licenses under a national standard and to link their record-keeping systems. States must verify identification used to obtain a driver's license, such as birth certificates, Social Security numbers and passports.
Driver's licenses not meeting the standard won't be accepted as identification to board a plane and enter federal buildings.
At a hearing last week, opponents argued the law was too intrusive. They also said the risk was too great that thieves would gain access to information needed to steal people's identities if a national database was created.
In January, Maine lawmakers adopted a nonbinding resolution opposing the law.
Rep. Neal Kurk, R-Weare, the prime sponsor of New Hampshire's bill, says 26 states have either legislation or resolutions in the works opposing REAL ID. He said 11 states have legislation facilitating compliance _ some of which also have measures opposing the act.
Last year, New Hampshire's House voted against participating and Gov. John Lynch said he would sign the bill, but the Senate rejected it. New Hampshire also was one of two states picked to pilot the program, but Lynch and the Executive Council did not approve the $3 million grant.
Last month, Lynch reiterated his concerns that too many questions remained about the cost, privacy and turning motor vehicle workers into de facto agents of Homeland Security. He said implementing the federal identity system could cost New Hampshire tens of millions of dollars.
Lynch reiterated Tuesday he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
