HOUSE HAPPENINGS

by Representative Jim Whorton

(573) 751-1649 (660) 359-3988

Proving who you are seems to be very important according to your state and federal government. Many of you have experienced the difficulties of getting a driver’s license renewed – especially in cases where you either don’t have or can’t locate an appropriate birth certificate. A few of us in the Missouri House of Representatives really tried to ease the burden of “proving lawful presence” during this past session. As you know, the Department of Revenue is in control of driver license rules and requires presentation of an original, raised seal birth certificate or passport to prove driver identification during the renewal process.

I had proposed legislation allowing drivers to substitute a copy of their DD-214 (if they were a military veteran) or simply be accepted if they were renewing a Missouri license for at least the third time. Since our licenses are now valid for six years, and were valid for three years prior to the current program, it could be assumed that person had been a Missouri resident at least ten years. If one has driven ten years without causing terrorism, it is likely that a Missouri driver’s license could safely be renewed. I also believed that anyone willing to risk their life in military service for the country should be an acceptable risk to drive a car in Missouri. Several legislators agreed with me; some even offered other variations of their own to make the renewal process work smoother.

We were not totally successful; however, we did get some relief for those over 65 years of age. The irony is how do you “prove” you are over 65, without the valid birth certificate? Please don’t ask; we’ll take what we could get. Individuals, who are over 65 and were previously issued a Missouri license, are exempt from showing “proof of lawful presence.” Also, if you are under 65, but have held a Missouri license for a period of 15 years or more, you may get a one-year renewal without the “proof,” but no other extensions will be granted. These changes are included in the CCR on HCS for SCS for SBs 1001, 896 and 761, which must be signed by the Governor prior to becoming law.

Some of the information points to consider are that the computer system available to the license office has more information about you, and is readily available to the agent, than you should be comfortable with. This whole system is a result of urging by your federal government in conjunction with the National ID Act which I understand takes effect in 2008. Along with the driver license changes, there are changes in your ability to vote, in conjunction with the federal “Help Americans Vote Act.” Those issues will begin to affect you in November of 2006 and we will try to outline some of them in next week’s column.