Idaho Lawmakers Looking at Drivers License Federal Compliance

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The head of Idaho's House Transportation and Defense Committee says Idahoans will be unable to use their driver's licenses to board commercial flights in 2016 because current state law prohibits complying with federal identification regulations.

Republican Rep. Joe Palmer introduced legislation Friday that would allow the state's transportation agency to request a one-year extension to conform to federal law. A House panel unanimously approved introducing the bill.

In 2008, Idaho lawmakers passed legislation that banned the state from complying with the federal Real ID Act, which requires proof of U.S. citizenship in order for a license to be valid for federal use. Currently, nine states are out of compliance.

Friday's legislation doesn't aim to change Idaho's compliance ban. Instead, Palmer says it would allow state officials to research alternatives.