March 16--AUGUSTA, Maine -- Two Maine legislators sent a letter to President Donald Trump on Thursday asking him to repeal parts of a federal identification program that have spurred privacy concerns and policy headaches over the state's non-compliance with the law.

It's supported by Maine Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, who has been leading the fight to preserve a 2007 law that bars the state from complying with the federal REAL ID Act. In January, the federal government stopped accepting Maine driver's licenses at certain facilities.

The plea to Trump from two libertarian-leaning state senators -- Eric Brakey, R-Auburn, and Shenna Bellows, D-Manchester -- is effectively emerging as a rival plan to a bill from Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, which would make Maine comply with the federal law.

Maine has implemented many REAL ID provisions, but it's one of five states in non-compliance, having balked at controversial data warehousing requirements in the law, such as using facial recognition software in the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and fingerprinting bureau employees.

Brakey and Bellows want Trump to repeal those types of provision with an executive order, with the letter asking Trump to take "quick action" to "to preserve the safety and liberty of all Americans" from the "impending security and privacy disaster" that is REAL ID's final stages.

It called the barring of entry to federal facilities "the worst kind of blackmail." Maine's position will be worse in January 2018, when licenses won't be accepted by airlines for boarding domestic flights, although passports or passport cards will be valid.

Dunlap, a Democrat, said Maine would be in compliance with the law if Trump took that action, although he said he didn't know the Republican president's stance on the issue.

"Once you start complying, you don't know what the purposes will then be designated for or what additional requirements may come down the road," he said.

The Legislature has given initial approval to a bill from Assistant House Majority Leader Jared Golden, D-Lewiston, that would fund passport cards for veterans who get health care at Pease Air Force Base in New Hampshire, but it awaits funding before final passage. Diamond's bill will be considered by the Legislature's Transportation Committee on Thursday.

Watch bangordailynews.com for updates.

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SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Advantage Capital Holdings, LLC (“A-CAP” or “the Company”) an insurance and financial services holding company with over $15 billion in assets, today announced the appointment of Kirk Cullimore as President of Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company, effective immediately. Cullimore brings more than fifteen years of experience in corporate governance, regulatory affairs, and complex financial transactions to the role.

A member of Sentinel’s Board of Directors since 2025, Cullimore has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s governance and compliance framework. His appointment marks a new phase in Sentinel’s growth following A-CAP’s previously announced capital raise, which supports the company’s strategic growth and balance sheet strengthening efforts.

“Kirk’s appointment reflects our commitment to principled leadership, regulatory excellence, and the interests of our policyholders,” said Kenneth King, CEO of A-CAP. “His deep expertise in compliance and governance will accelerate Sentinel’s progress as we embark on the next phase of our long-term growth plan.”

Based in Salt Lake City, Cullimore will reinforce Sentinel’s position as a leading Utah-based life insurance company with a renewed focus on enterprise risk management, balance sheet optimization, and partnership with regulators and community stakeholders.

“It’s an honor to lead Sentinel Security Life into its next chapter,” said Kirk Cullimore, President of Sentinel Security Life. “With a strong foundation in Utah and the confidence of our regulatory partners, we are well positioned to grow responsibly, support policyholders, and deliver on our long-term commitments.”

Cullimore is an attorney and business executive whose private-sector career spans regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and complex financial transactions. He also serves in the Utah State Senate, where he has held leadership roles for six of his eight years in office, including his current position as Senate Majority Leader. In addition, he serves on the Utah Board of Community Advisors for CommonSpirit Health. Cullimore earned his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Oklahoma College of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Brigham Young University.

About Sentinel Security Life

Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company offers life insurance and annuity products designed to help policyholders achieve financial security and peace of mind. Sentinel is a member of the A-CAP family of companies.

About A-CAP

A-CAP is a holding company owning multiple insurance and financial businesses on its unique and synergistic platform. These businesses include primary insurance carriers, an SEC registered investment adviser, reinsurance vehicles, and marketing organizations. With broad knowledge across the insurance and investment sectors, A-CAP’s management team has diverse experience and provides comprehensive services to policyholders, insurance company clients and capital partners. Launched in 2013, A-CAP is a privately held company with offices located in New York, Charleston, Miami, and Salt Lake City. For more information, visit http://www.acap.com/.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260402812352/en/

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Source: Advantage Capital Holdings, LLC