I managed to get a copy of the bill and have placed it here: http://www.politechbot.com/docs/drivers.license.bill.012605.pdf A few highlights: * The law gives the Dept of Homeland Security the power to set requirements for drivers licenses. This is similar to a bill that we discussed last year. An excerpt from a column I wrote about it: http://news.com.com/2010-1028_3-5395386.html "A Senate bill introduced last month in response to the 9/11 Commission's report would give the Department of Homeland Security unfettered power to regulate state drivers' licenses and ID cards. The House version takes a similar approach. Both measures say federal agencies will only accept licenses and ID cards that comply--a requirement that would affect anyone who wants to get a U.S. passport, obtain Social Security benefits, or even wander into a federal courthouse. States would be strong-armed into complying." * This bill requires "a common machine-readable technology, with defined minimum data elements" and the presentation of a Social Security Number before a license can be issued. * States get $$$ from the feds if they share their data in a national database that provides "electronic access by a state to information contained in the motor vehicle databases of all other states" that includes "motor vehicle drivers' histories, including motor vehicle violations, suspensions, and points on licenses." * In another section, the Dept of Homeland Security receives the blanket authority to waive "all laws" that could stand in the way of erecting more barriers at borders. * Federal immigration law is changed to bar aliens who have "engaged in a terrorist activity" -- they now would be unable to enter the U.S. legally. * The definition of terrorist activity is broadened (for starters, it includes the PLO). It also covers anyone providing "communications" to a organization the U.S. dislikes. Should ISPs be worried? -Declan _______________________________________________ Politech mailing list Archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ Moderated by Declan McCullagh (http://www.mccullagh.org/)
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