Safeguarding Personal Information Act of 2025
Summary
The Safeguarding Personal Information Act of 2025 aims to repeal Title II of the REAL ID Act of 2005. The bill seeks to protect civil liberties and individual privacy by removing certain federal identification requirements. It also includes conforming amendments to related legislation, such as the Afghanistan Supplemental Appropriations Act and the Social Security Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act would eliminate the federal standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards established by the REAL ID Act. This would give states more autonomy over their identification requirements. The repeal would also remove associated requirements in other federal programs.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced Privacy: Repealing REAL ID could reduce the amount of personal information collected and shared.
- State Autonomy: States would regain control over their identification standards.
- Reduced Federal Mandates: Eliminates federal requirements on state identification processes.
- Civil Liberties: Addresses concerns that REAL ID infringes on civil liberties.
- Streamlined Processes: Simplifies compliance for individuals who may have found REAL ID requirements burdensome.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Security Risks: Loosening identification standards could increase the risk of fraud and identity theft.
- Inconsistent Standards: Varying state standards might complicate interstate travel and federal identification purposes.
- Reduced Interoperability: Lack of uniform standards could hinder information sharing between states and federal agencies.
- Impact on Federal Programs: Changes to identification requirements could affect eligibility verification for federal benefits.
- Law Enforcement Challenges: Could complicate law enforcement efforts that rely on standardized identification.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's focus on safeguarding civil liberties and individual privacy aligns with constitutional principles, particularly the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. The Tenth Amendment, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, also supports the bill's aim to restore state control over identification standards. However, the potential impact on national security and the federal government's ability to enforce laws could raise concerns under Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).