Judge denies preliminary injunction over licenses

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri Senate Majority Leader Ron Richard pledged Thursday to hold up the Department of Revenue's budget until lawmakers get information about a new procedure for issuing driver's licenses and state identification cards.

Questions about the process arose after a Southeastern Missouri man filed a lawsuit challenging a requirement that personal documents such as birth certificates and concealed weapons endorsements be scanned into a state computer system. The lawsuit raises concerns that details could be shared with the federal government and others.

Stoddard County Circuit Judge Rob Mayer denied the request for a preliminary injunction in the case and said in his order only hearsay evidence was provided that officials shared information with the federal government. Mayer said the man did not prove irreparable harm would occur.

Mayer's order was signed Wednesday and publicized Thursday by the Revenue Department.

The Department of Revenue has said information is not shared with other entities. Under the new procedure, clerks scan applicants' personal documents instead of just examining them. Digital documents are sent electronically with other applicant information to a state data center. The license is mailed to the applicant.

Stoddard County Prosecutor Russ Oliver is the private attorney for the man filing the lawsuit. Oliver said the creation of a database creates a situation where there is possible harm. He said the case is just starting and there have been no depositions yet.

The state Senate subpoenaed the Revenue Department earlier this week, and gave the agency until April 2 to respond.