Anti-federal sentiment really dying down? -- by Pamela Portocarrero

Utah's anti-federal sentiment seems to be dying down. Or is it?

During the past two years, Utah has overwhelmingly introduced "statements," officially in the form of resolutions, explicitly telling the U.S. federal government to leave states alone. Such examples included a bill exempting Utah from implementing any type of federal health care reform, and prohibiting the national government from assigning federally protected land within our state.

So what's in store for this year's session? Surprisingly, just the opposite, at least for now.

Senate Bill 25, sponsored by Senator Van Tassell (R-Vernal), aims at making some changes to the state issued drivers license and identification card by implementing the Federal REAL ID Act of 2005. This act was signed into law by President George W. Bush back in 2005 and mandated that all states implement new drivers licenses with features that will be identical throughout all states.

The purpose behind this act was to increase security at airports and federal buildings. However, even though this may sound like a step in the right direction regarding national security, Utah did not think so two years ago in the 2010 session. Then, Representative Stephen Sandstrom (R-Orem) sponsored House Bill 234, which prohibited the state from enacting the REAL ID Act, citing arguments that it would create unnecessary expenses for the citizens of Utah, and that the federal government was in violation of the federalism principles stated in the 10th amendment by mandating all states to implement this act.

It was a perfect example of the very common anti-federal sentiment that has been reigning over Capitol Hill for the past couple of years.

Fast forward two years and we have Senator Van Tassell wanting to implement this federal mandate. Is the state of Utah finally agreeing to follow federal law, or is there an additional motive for such change?

Maybe Senator Van Tassel is trying to turn around Utah's anti-federal thinking by complying with its laws, but that still does not clearly explain the remaining provisions attached to Senate Bill 25. For example, the bill would not allow a person to have in his or her possession both a drivers license and identification card.

While we await some more clarifications on this bill one thing is certain: the introduction of Senate Bill 25 reminded us that Utah's legislators can curse the federal government's involvement in our state one year, and welcome its presence in our laws the next.