Lawmakers question cost and purpose of federal ID program

MONTPELIER, Vt. --Concerned about the $2 million price tag, Vermont lawmakers are seeking alternatives in implementing new federal security rules for issuing driver's licenses.

Privacy advocates warned a Senate committee Thursday that Vermonters will be upset by the changes, which they said could threaten the security of their identities.

Under rules passed as part of the REAL ID Act in 2005, state residents will have to provide birth certificates and other forms of identity to get or renew a driver's license, said Bonnie Rutledge, commissioner of the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles.

States that don't implement the changes will not be able to use the identity cards to enter federal buildings or airplanes.

Lawmakers questioned the value of the program, which is aimed at reducing terrorism.

"I don't think it is accomplishing anything," said Sen. Phil Scott, R-Washington. "Are we trying to shut people out or make them safer?"

"It's a lot of money and we are not convinced at this time that something can't be done to cut the costs," said Sen. Richard Mazza, D-Grand Isle, chairman of the Transportation Committee.

One way to cut costs might be to issue passports for every Vermonter. Another would be to add a charge to license fees to cover the new rule, said Sen. Don Collins, D-Franklin.

Allen Gilbert, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, said the program raises privacy concerns.

"Our worries are that this is the beginning of a national ID card that we think won't accomplish what the federal supporters think it will. It could compromise individual security, rather than protect it," he said. "Once somebody has a REAL ID driver's license, it is a pass through the whole system."

Gov. Jim Douglas also objects to the program, which he said is too costly.

"I have been quite outspoken about it for quite some time, as have my counterparts around the country. I think it is an overreaction by the federal government," Douglas said.

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Information from: Rutland Herald, http://www.rutlandherald.com/