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Bill

HB 1356

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in powers and duties in general, providing for restriction on the use of REAL ID.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Aaron Bernstine and 10 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill restricts state agency use of REAL ID federal identification standard, potentially limiting residents' ID validity for federal purposes like air travel.

Referred to State Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1356

Legislative bill overview

HB 1356 proposes amendments to Pennsylvania's Administrative Code of 1929 to restrict the use of REAL ID—the federal identification standard that enhanced security features for state driver's licenses and identification cards. The bill limits how state agencies can utilize REAL ID credentials in their operations and authority.

Why is this important

REAL ID compliance has been contentious since its 2005 enactment, with some viewing it as essential for homeland security and others as federal overreach into state identification systems. This bill reflects ongoing tension between state autonomy over driver's licensing and federal security standardization, potentially affecting Pennsylvania residents' ability to use state IDs for federal purposes like air travel and federal building access.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal compliance consequences: Restricting REAL ID use could conflict with federal requirements, potentially making Pennsylvania-issued IDs invalid for TSA screening and federal facility access, burdening residents
  • Public safety vs. privacy: Supporters may argue state sovereignty over IDs; critics may contend restrictions weaken security standards for identity verification
  • Implementation ambiguity: The bill's exact restrictions aren't detailed in available information, leaving unclear which specific uses would be prohibited and how enforcement would function

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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