REAL ID Reform Takes Effect
On Aug. 28, legislation requiring the Department of Revenue to issue driver’s licenses compliant with the federal REAL ID Act became law. House Bill 151 allows the department to issue REAL ID-compliant licenses but individuals can choose not to apply and keep their standard license. However, it will take more than a year before the department can implement a system to handle requests for the new, REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses. What does this mean for those of us who wish to visit one of our state’s military bases or what if we work at a nuclear energy facility? What if we plan to board an airplane at Kansas City International Airport for an upcoming vacation? Will we be able to enter these facilities with our Missouri driver’s license?
The answer for now is yes. Missouri has been given a waiver from the enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act from the Department of Homeland Security. This waiver allows Missourians to use their driver’s licenses and ID cards to enter federal facilities such as military bases, as well as nuclear power plants. The enforcement waiver is in effect until Oct. 10, 2017. As this date approaches, the state will seek an additional waiver to ensure we can continue using our driver’s licenses and ID cards to enter federal facilities. Missourians wishing to board a domestic flight can still use their current Missouri driver’s license as proof of ID. The state will continue to seek additional waivers until it can fully comply with the federal REAL ID standards, ensuring Missourians can continue to use their driver’s license to board an airplane or enter a military base. For more information on the Department of Homeland Security’s implementation of the federal REAL ID Act, you can visit its website at dhs.gov/real-id.
Sept. 13 marks the General Assembly’s annual veto session. During this session, lawmakers have the opportunity to address legislation vetoed by the governor. Following the 2017 legislative session, the governor vetoed five measures passed during the regular session. In order to override a governor’s veto, lawmakers must approve each vetoed bill by a two-thirds vote in order for it to become law. Below is a list of the bills vetoed by the governor during the 2017 legislative session.
House Committee Bill 3 – This legislation authorizes the commissioner of the Office of Administration to make a one-time fund sweep of any unused funds from state agencies and departments. The unused money would go into the Senior Services Protection Fund to help provide in-home and nursing home care for some of the state’s most vulnerable.
House Concurrent Resolution 19 – This resolution authorizes the issuance of public bonds to pay for half of the cost associated with building a new dance and music conservatory for the University of Missouri-Kansas City.
House Bill 850 – This legislation changes state law regarding military complaints against a commanding officer. Currently, any member of the Missouri National Guard may file a complaint against his or her commanding officer with the governor or the Guard’s adjutant general. The legislation removes the governor from the list and only allows members of the Missouri National Guard to file complaints against a commanding officer with the adjutant general.
Senate Bill 65 – This legislation exempts boats propelled by an outboard jet motor and boats not originally manufactured with adequate guards or railings from state law prohibiting passengers from riding in certain areas of boats.
Senate Bill 128 – This legislation makes several changes to state law regarding criminal offenses, the attorney general’s office, the Department of Revenue, child custody and support, estates and trusts, guardianships, judges, court surcharges, court reporter fees and victims of crime.
As always, please feel free to contact my office with any questions or concerns you have about state government, I always appreciate hearing your comments, concerns and opinions. My staff and I can be reached in Jefferson City at (573) 751-4302 or you can email me at denny.hoskins@senate.mo.gov. It is a joy and a pleasure to represent the citizens of the 21st Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate.