Commentary: The New Mexico State Senate passed a compromise bill to resolve the driver’s license issue confronting the state for a number of years; and the bill meets requirements of what the federal government is requiring of all 50 states to better protect the nation.
“This meets what the federal government is requiring of us and it fixes the problem that has plagued our state for a number of years. Not everyone is pleased with this compromise, but it addressed what needs to be addressed,” Senate Minority Leader Stuart Ingle said. “The Senate was ready to solve the problem. This is something we can be proud of. The Senate accomplished a great deal today. We can now concentrate on other things New Mexico needs.”
The bill provides for a two-tier driver’s license system.
Tier One: A regular driver’s license or ID to meet federal REAL ID Act requirements to be accepted by federal agencies for federal purposes. This REAL-ID compliant driver’s license or ID is for people who can prove they are in the nation legally and who want to provide the government the information required for the REAL ID license. It provides New Mexicans who are in the county legally with sufficiently vetted licenses needed to enter secure federal buildings and military installations, including national labs and bases, as well as board a commercial plane come 2018.
Tier Two: Driving Authorization Card and non-REAL ID compliant IDs- This driving authorization card is for persons who are not eligible for REAL ID licenses and ID cards; and it is for those who legally qualify but who don’t want or need the REAL-ID license. They can opt for this card, instead. This card may notbe used for federal identification purposes. This card would be valid for two years when it is first issued. Once renewed, it would be valid for four years. It provide New Mexicans who are in the country illegally a distinctly different-looking driving privilege/authorization card so they can continue to legally operate a motor vehicle.
Fingerprinting would be required only for those new applicants who are unable to prove lawful status and who do not currently have a valid New Mexico license or ID card. The Tax and Revenue Department (TRD) will take a photograph and the fingerprints of the new applicants for the Driving Authorization Card who cannot prove legal status. TRD is authorized to submit fingerprint data to the Department of Public Safety.