California legislature agrees to upload driver's licenses to national database

California's legislature has agreed to upload all driver's license and ID information to the national SPEXS database operated by AAMVA, reversing its previous opposition under pressure from Governor Newsom and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Critics argue the proposed "guardrails" provide only the illusion of data protection, as federal law enforcement could obtain the information through subpoenas or warrants with gag orders, potentially targeting vulnerable populations like immigrants and transgender Californians without their knowledge. The article claims that REAL-ID compliance is optional and that California could instead defend its residents' travel rights through its Attorney General.