Gov. Scott Walker signs bill banning local government IDs

MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that hinders Milwaukee's efforts to provide local photo IDs to the homeless, immigrants in the country illegally and others who have difficulty obtaining state IDs.

The Republican bill prohibits towns and counties from spending money on or issuing photo IDs. It also prohibits using city or village IDs to vote or obtain public benefits, like food stamps.

Thousands of protesters packed the state Capitol in February to protest the bill and another failed proposal that would have banned so-called "sanctuary cities."

Critics call the ID bill anti-immigrant and say it's aimed at Milwaukee city and county plans to issue local IDs to assist with everyday tasks, like opening bank accounts or obtaining prescriptions. The bill's supporters say it will reduce confusion and fraud.