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Ericksen helps move enhanced
driver’s license forward
Deputy Republican Leader: “It’s vital our borders
are secure, but that law-abiding citizens and commercial drivers are not
too encumbered”
Deputy Republican
Leader Doug Ericksen helped lead a successful effort to pass a bill
in the Washington State House of Representatives that would authorize
the Department of Licensing to issue enhanced drivers’ licenses and
identicards to facilitate crossing the Canadian border. The 42nd
District lawmaker began advocating for the concept in 2005.
House Bill 1289 passed off the House floor late Tuesday on a 94-2
vote.
“This is an important measure for the state, but especially Whatcom
County. It’s vital our borders are secure, but that law-abiding citizens
and commercial drivers are not too encumbered,” said Ericksen,
R-Ferndale. “The Department of Licensing and other stakeholders
deserve a lot of credit for their work, and I appreciate them coming to
my office to discuss the issue. Their efforts are paying off.”
House Bill 1289 would allow the Department of Licensing to issue
an enhanced driver’s license or identicard to an applicant who, in
addition to meeting all other driver’s license or identicard
requirements, provides proof of United States citizenship, identity and
state residency.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of April 2005 requires
individuals entering or re-entering the United States to present a
passport or other acceptable secure identification effective as early as
January 1, 2008. When announcing the initiative, the Departments of
State and Homeland Security identified the passport as the document of
choice for entry or re-entry into the country, but acknowledged that
certain other documents might be acceptable in lieu of a passport.
Ericksen introduced a similar bill in 2005 and is happy to see
his idea moving forward in 2007.
“I offered a similar bill a couple years ago and I’m happy to see the
concept navigate the legislative process,” said Ericksen. “I’m
proud of this measure, but still believe it can be improved slightly.
I’m confident we can make those small changes and that the bill will
reach the governor’s desk.”
House Bill 1289 would require the enhanced driver’s license or
identicard to include a one-to-many biometric matching system. The
measure also contains an emergency clause and would take effect
immediately after being signed by the governor. However, it would be
null and void if it is not funded in the state budget.
For more information on House Bill 1289 visit
here.
For more information on Ericksen visit: http://www.houserepublicans.wa.gov/Ericksen/
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