Real ID – Senate District S Update

by Senator Lyman F. Hoffman

Friends –

In week three, the Senate Finance Committee received Senate Bill 38 and 39, requested by the Governor. SB 38 Supplemental and Disaster Relief, relating to fire suppression activities and central Alaska’s November 2018 earthquake. SB 39: Supplemental, Reappropriation, Capital, Amend and Repeal bill. SB 39 repeals $20 million education funding from SB 142, which passed into law last session. The bill also cuts $3 million from the Village Public Safety Officer Program (VPSO). The bill also has other fiscal adjustments, but these are the two major ones of concern. Like all bills, they will be thoroughly vetted in both bodies before or if they pass the Legislature.

The Senate Finance Committee also received updates on the state’s PRS/TRS (retirement) programs, the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority and a report on Indirect Expenditures from our Division of Legislative Finance.

This session, I am chairing the Senate Finance Subcommittees for Education and the University. Their overviews began next Tuesday.

Super Bowl Sunday, cheer loud and stay tuned for the commercials.

Real ID –

Starting October 1st 2020, Alaska residents will need to present a Real ID compliant license/ID, or another acceptable form of identification, for accessing Federal facilities, entering nuclear power plants, and boarding commercial aircrafts. As of January 2nd, 2019 Alaskans are eligible to get a Real ID. The process to apply for a Real ID is similar to current driver license/ID card application process, with a few added requirements:

• You must apply in person and provide DMV one identity document, which shows your date of birth, true full name, identity and U.S. citizenship or lawful status.

• Documents must be originals or certified copies and unexpired, unless otherwise noted.

• PO Boxes are not counted as a physical address when applying for Real ID. If you fall under this category, a certified letter from a city/tribal official is needed to verify your residency.

All DMV offices can process your Real ID applications. DMV offices in the district are in Bethel, Dillingham, King Salmon, Unalaska. Real ID fee is a $20 plus the fees for your license. Below is a list of links to help you navigate the process. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Another good contact is Deputy Director at DMV Jenna Wamsganz, she can reached via email and is a knowledgeable about Real ID and some of the issues applying in rural Alaska.

http://online.dmv.alaska.gov/REALIdChecklist – DMV Checklist

http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/office/index.htm – DMV locations & partner options

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification – TSA ID requirements

Deputy Director of DMV Jenna Wamsganz email: [email protected]

PFD Applications: https://pfd.alaska.gov/ Deadline to file: 3/31/19

Senator Hoffman’s Call In Show with KYUK will be at February 6th at 8:30 am. Call In # – 907-543-5985. Email Questions to [email protected].

Senator Lyman F. Hoffman serves Senate District S in the Alaska State Legislature.