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Idaho lawmakers reconsider Real ID

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BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- State lawmakers are considering lifting a 2008 ban on complying with tougher ID requirements mandated by the federal government.

Republican Rep. Joe Palmer of Meridian introduced the measure Tuesday before the House State Affairs, where it received unanimous support. Palmer says the bill will now go to the House Transportation Committee for an anticipated lively hearing.

Idaho lawmakers rejected complying with the tougher regulations because they deemed it an unfunded mandate.

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. The law is designed to make driver's licenses less susceptible to forgery by requiring proof of U.S. residency. The law has had several implementation delays but access to some federal facilities is now restricted without an enhanced ID. As early as next year, such ID could be required to board commercial aircraft, though the federal government hasn't given a firm timeline on access to flights.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has granted Idaho compliance extensions since 2014.