Leaders of the Florida House and Senate have agreed to extend the legislative session to tackle the state budget, and U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna has asked the Department of Homeland Security to delay enforcement of the Real ID deadline, which is Wednesday. 

Lawmakers prepare to tackle state budget in extended session

Things were quiet today in Tallahassee, as lawmakers took time away from negotiations, before they plan to resume budget talks next week.

Florida leadership agreed to extend the session until June 6, but in that time they will only discuss certain legislation.

Much of what remains is related to the budget, which has to be done before the start of the next fiscal year.

Florida law requires state lawmakers to pass a balanced budget by July 1.

The House and Senate are about $4.4 billion apart on their proposals.

Both Republicans and Democrats say they’re hopeful a measure will be passed soon.

They will also continue to discuss the “Rural Renaissance” package, which has been a priority of Senate President Ben Albritton.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna asks for pause on Real ID deadline

It’s been two decades in the making, but the Real ID deadline has arrived.

Wednesday is the deadline to have a Real ID, which will be needed to fly domestically in the U.S. 

When the REAL ID Act was signed into law in 2005, it enacted a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission that the government set security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and IDs.

Florida started issuing Real IDs in 2010, but some states started late, meaning some travelers may still not have one.

The Real ID is built into driver’s licenses, noted by a symbol, in most states a star, in the top right corner of the card.  

It contains extra security features and requires more proof of identification before the DMV will issue it.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, who represents Florida’s 13th District, says some people may not even know about the Real ID requirement starting Wednesday.

She has asked the Department of Homeland Security to pause enforcement until privacy and other concerns are addressed.

“I think the airports are probably well aware of the fact that there are probably going to be some people that might not even be aware of this even though they’ve been putting forward a lot of messaging on it,” said Luna, a Republican whose district includes Largo, Clearwater and Palm Harbor. “And so, we will see what TSA is going to give guidance on, and I do anticipate, I do hope that they will allow people, maybe give them a warning maybe, and just let them know hey we will let you pass this time, but next time it’s going to be considered invalid.”

As of Monday morning, there is no indication that Homeland Security will be allowing for a grace period.

But there are alternate forms of ID that are acceptable, like a passport or a military ID.