Oklahoma Senate passes REAL ID bill; measure heads to governor for signature

The Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday approved a measure to bring Oklahoma into compliance with the federal REAL ID law. The measure, House Bill 1845, is co-authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Mike Schulz and Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall.

“The Oklahoma Senate approved a measure that solves a problem the vast majority of Oklahomans wanted us to tackle. This bill brings us into compliance with the federal REAL ID law but also offers an opt-out for those who don’t want a REAL ID license,” said Schulz, R-Altus. “Solving this issue has always been primarily about national security. This measure ensures the countless Oklahomans who work on military bases maintain access to those facilities so they can continue their important work supporting the men and women in our Armed Forces.

“This bill also means Oklahomans will continue to enjoy the convenience of using an Oklahoma driver license to board a commercial flight. I want to thank my Senate colleagues for supporting this legislation and working quickly to get it passed this session. I also appreciate Governor Mary Fallin and House Speaker Charles McCall for their leadership in moving this issue forward,” Schulz said.

The legislation ensures Oklahomans who choose to get the REAL ID compliant driver license or ID will be able to use that identification to fly or to enter federal facilities while also giving citizens the option of choosing a non-compliant driver license or ID. HB 1845 now goes to Gov. Fallin for her signature.

“The passage of this legislation is a great example of how the Legislature can get things done when lawmakers come together and work toward a common goal. I’m optimistic we can carry this momentum forward and continue to cooperate on ideas and policies that will help us build a more prosperous Oklahoma,” Schulz said.