Lansley on REAL ID: ‘We will stand by our refusal’

State Rep. Scott Lansley, R-Sabattus, said the state won’t back down in their refusal to participate in the REAL ID Act.

Lansley sponsored the resolution barring Maine from participating in the REAL ID Act. It passed under the gavel in June. Sixteen other states passed similar resolutions.

Last week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security approved regulations for the new law, extending the implementation date from this May to 2017. This drew negative criticism from Maine’s congressional delegation.

In the new regulations, DHS stressed extra security chips for border states. They also mandated that after 2017, old driver’s licenses won’t get people onto airplanes or into federal buildings.

With DHS’ announcement, Lansley said he only expects more opposition from the states.

In the meantime, Lansley said he is working with Senate Majority Leader Libby Mitchell, D-Vassalboro, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and the Maine Civil Liberties Union on ways to proceed in fighting the act.

“We will stand by our refusal, and stay in front,” Lansley said Tuesday.