Senator Kendal Sacchieri (R-Blanchard) recently filed Senate Resolution 18 (SR18), which if eventually approved would give Oklahomans the right to opt out of the federal REAL ID program which she believes is protected under the principles of federalism and protected by the Tenth Amendment.
The resolution urges the state to ensure a meaningful choice between REAL IDcompliant and noncompliant identification options, particularly by safeguarding personal and biometric data from unwarranted federal access.
SR18 raises concerns over the collection and retention of sensitive biometric information — such as facial recognition data — required for REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. Although Oklahoma offers both compliant and noncompliant IDs, the resolution notes that the state currently collects, stores, and shares personal data in the same way for both, creating what it calls a “distinction without a difference.”
“Sixty percent of Oklahomans have declined to participate in the federal REAL ID system,” said Senator Sacchieri. “Senate Resolution 18 is about protecting Oklahomans’ privacy and preserving their freedom to choose. We affirm our citizens’ right to opt out of the federal REAL ID system, and we must also ensure their personal information remains secure. This resolution calls for a real, uncoerced choice — without unnecessary exposure of private data.”
The resolution calls on the state to continue offering both REAL ID-compliant and noncompliant forms of identification. It further urges the state to prohibit the sharing of personally identifiable information — including biometric data — collected from noncompliant ID holders, unless such sharing is authorized by judicial oversight.
SR18 emphasizes the importance of preventing coerced compliance with a national identity system and upholding Oklahomans’ constitutional rights.
The senator’s press release did not address how an Oklahoman who opts out will be able to fly or enter a federal building, which now requires haveing a REAL ID.
