Bill to Weaken Colorado’s Driver’s License Presents a Clear Security Threat

Coffman, Lamm, Law Enforcement Call for a Ritter Veto

Denver, May 16, 2007 – During a press conference at the State Capitol today, Secretary of State Mike Coffman, former Governor Dick Lamm and members of the law enforcement community urged Governor Ritter to veto House Bill 07-1313.

“This bill presents a clear security threat to our nation,” Governor Lamm said. “Governor Ritter should veto this bill in the interest of public safety.”

Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson pointed to identity theft data compiled by the Federal Trade Commission that shows Colorado as sixth in the nation in terms of victimization of identity theft and fraud. “Coloradans will be even more susceptible to identity theft and fraud if this bill becomes law,” Sheriff Robinson said.

“This bill will make life easier for the identity thieves and harder for all of us,” added 5th Judicial District Attorney Mark Hurlburt.

“I urge Governor Ritter to veto this legislation,” Coffman added. “This bill allows for the use of hospital records, school records, religious records and tax returns to provide proof of identity and lawful presence. This is a dramatic change from current practice and could open loopholes to allow individuals to obtain a driver’s license or identification card who are not entitled to one.”

Coffman acknowledged that there have been legitimate cases in which citizens were denied a driver’s license when they ought not to have been, but argued that the Governor already has the authority to address such issues.

“This legislation infringes on the powers of the Governor,” Coffman said. “Governor Ritter already has authority to make any changes he feels are necessary to the current system through the rulemaking process within the Department of Revenue. This legislation is completely unnecessary and takes Colorado in the opposite direction of where we want to go.”

HB07-1313 broadens the documentation needed to obtain a Colorado driver’s license or photo identification card, therefore severely weakening these state-issued cards for identification purposes.

The Governor has until June 3 to either sign or veto the bill; if he does not act, the bill will automatically become law.