Airport Alerts: REAL ID Legislation Introduced to Expand Alternate IDs and Develop Contingency Plans
This morning, House Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) and Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) introduced the Trusted Traveler REAL ID Relief Act of 2020 (HR 5827). In addition, Reps. John Katko (R-NY) and Jefferson Van Drew (R-NJ) are also original co-sponsors.
As of October 1, 2020, every adult passenger must have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid U.S. passport or Global Entry card, to fly within the United States. Individuals without an acceptable form of identification would not be able to enter a security checkpoint or board a commercial aircraft once enforcement begins. As of January 24, states are reporting that 34 percent of drivers' licenses issued are REAL ID-compliant, up from 27 percent last fall.
This bill:
- Permits airline travelers in the United States to use PreCheck as an alternative to REAL ID when traveling beginning on October 1, 2020.
- Requires TSA to develop and implement alternative checkpoint procedures for individuals who attempt to travel without REAL ID-compliant credentials after October 1.
- Directs TSA to conduct REAL ID implementation exercises and other contingency plans at airports if requested prior to the deadline. AAAE has been advocating for DHS and TSA to have contingency plans in place that have been well tested with aviation stakeholders, including airports and air carriers, to handle the hundreds of thousands of travelers who would be denied boarding if the October 1, 2020 deadline remains in place.
- Permits states to establish procedures for an individual to submit electronic documents and facial images when applying for a REAL ID-compliant identification.
AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli spoke in support of the bill, noting that "AAAE appreciates this effort to provide creative ways to address the challenges posed by the October 1 REAL ID enforcement deadline. We look forward to working with Congress, the administration, and our industry partners to advance solutions that ensure the traveling public is not grounded on October 1."
It is unclear when this legislation will be considered by the Congress; however, AAAE staff anticipate that the House Homeland Security Committee will hold a hearing on REAL ID and efforts to increase compliance in the upcoming months. The Senate Commerce Committee will also hold a REAL ID hearing this spring. AAAE staff will continue to keep you apprised of any upcoming REAL ID activities.
Click here to view Ranking Member Lesko's press release and description of the legislation.
