BOSTON – The federal Real ID driver’s license law is drawing considerable opposition from states as a multi-billion dollar unfunded mandate, yet it is not without its supporters. A self-described “grass roots” organization called the Coalition for a Secure Driver’s License said as the National Conference of State Legislatures opened its annual meeting that implementation and enforcement of the law is critical to protect the nation from future terrorist attacks.

Co-founders of CSDL are philanthropist Henry Buhl, a Detroit native, and Alan Weeden, who headed the Weeden & Co. securities firm.

The coalition, which claims at least 1,000 members from 48 states, contends polls show 70% of Americans surveyed favor a secure driver’s license in which persons must provide substantive proof of identity.

The pro-Real ID group blames “special interest and extremist” organizations for drumming up opposition to the federal law.

“Despite the continued discovery of terrorists cells in places like Georgia, New Jersey and Michigan, many state legislators have been intimidated by the ACLU and their fellow travelers into promising to oppose implementation of (the law),” the coalition said in a news release.

The CSDL said it does not take a position on immigration policy or law. “Security is our main concern,” it said.

Separately, the NCSL said Monday an extension the Department of Homeland Security proposed in state compliance for Real ID does not change the ultimate deadline of May 11, 2013 for converting all 245 million driver’s license and identification cards.

Molly Ramsdell said proposed DHS rules allow states to delay the May 11, 2008 date to begin phasing in the new cards for which documents will have to be verified. Final agency rules are expected in September.

NCSL and the National Governors Association estimate cost of the program to states at $11 billion over the first five years. DHS projects a $23 billion cost over 10 years, with states bearing up to $14 billion of the total.

Ramsdell said Congress has thus far appropriated $40 million to assist states in implementing the law.

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