Only driver’s licensing requirements could make ethics reform seem simple.

The Legislature is debating Gov. John Baldacci’s bill to make proof of immigration status requisite for a driver’s license. A companion bill that would require proof of Maine residency has already received broad legislative support.

Immigration status is demanded by the Transportation Security Administration for Maine to receive an extension for compliance with Real ID, the proposed national identity card. TSA has treated Maine badly for its rebelliousness regarding Real ID.

Gov. Baldacci did the right thing – he cut a deal with TSA to avoid its wrath. We have no doubt, given the agency’s actions, it would have followed through with veiled threats to keep holders of Maine driver’s licenses from flying or entering federal buildings.

Lawmakers are reportedly split. So are we; our distaste for Real ID’s unfunded mandate is palpable, but so is our concern about Maine licenses being obtained by illicit interests from outside the state. A compromise must be found.

We err on the side of caution. Making immigration status a licensing requirement, we believe, would accomplish many purposes: bring Maine into alignment with laws in most states, stop the illegal license trade, and quiet TSA.

It would not mean Maine accepts Real ID. Dealing for an extension is not surrendering to the program. Unless the program is federally funded, and legitimate concerns about privacy are answered, Real ID is a flawed concept.