Arizona's Real ID plan sputtering

PHOENIX, March 23 (UPI) -- More Arizona lawmakers reportedly are lining up against separate state and federal plans to create secure drivers' licenses.

Real ID, the federal government program that has yet to be implemented, would require that states develop a tamper-proof drivers' license to be issued based on verified documents, including birth certificates, The Arizona Republic reported Sunday.

Arizona lawmakers are planning to make their state's cards voluntary. The card would allow motorists to drive, return from Mexico without a passport and prove employment eligibility under Arizona law.

Legislation to get the state into compliance with the Read ID program is foundering in the Legislature amid privacy and funding concerns since the state must absorb the costs.

"I have problems with both Real ID and the 3-in-1 driver's license and the reason is the same for both. They are way too intrusive, and they won't make us any safer," said Democratic state Rep. Kyrsten Sinema.

Some Republicans, too, are opposed.

"I hope they both go down in flames," state Sen. Karen Johnson said of the 3-in-1 licenses. "I think we're doing fine with what we have."