Public comment is invited on proposed draft legislation related to updating Montana laws implementing the federal REAL-ID program.
The Transportation Interim Committee (TIC) of the Legislature met June 22 and requested draft legislation be prepared and posted for public comment.
The TIC has proposed draft legislation to allow the Department of Justice (DOJ) to adopt rules to provide fee waivers. The draft also clarifies Montana's DOJ will offer REAL-ID services; however, it remains up to individuals whether to acquire the credentials. The committee is requesting specific comment on:
On March 26 President Trump announced that the October 1, 2020, REAL ID enforcement date is being postponed. With the extension, federal agencies and the Transportation Security Administration will continue to accept valid Montana driver licenses and ID cards to board domestic commercial flights and access secure federal facilities until October 1, 2021.
Public comments should be submitted by July 24 to Sonja Nowakowski, TIC staff, at snowakowski@mt.gov (put REAL-ID in the subject line) or to Legislative Services Division, Attn. Sonja Nowakowski, P.O. Box 201704, Helena, MT 59620-1704.
The TIC will meet August 17 to review and discuss the public comments and the draft legislation. The committee will then determine how best to amend the drafts and whether they should be brought before the 2021 Legislature. All comments received by 5 p.m. on July 24 will be compiled and reviewed by the TIC prior to any decisions being made at its August meeting.
Comments also may be submitted in the form of proposed draft amendments to the legislation. If you have any difficulty opening the documents linked above or submitting your comments, please contact Sonja Nowakowski at (406)-444-3078.
The Legislative News.