ST. PAUL – Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation that would allow Minnesota to prepare for the implementation of REAL ID. State Representative Bob Loonan, R-Shakopee, voted in favor of the measure.
“I understand it’s important to the people of Shakopee to know the Legislature is taking steps toward REAL ID compliance,” said Loonan. “Passing this bill is the start of a way forward on this issue.”
In January, the Department of Homeland Security told Minnesota it had until 2018 to develop REAL ID-compliant licenses in order for residents to board an airplane. Currently Minnesota's licenses do not comply with the federal REAL ID Act.
Minnesota had previously approved a law barring Minnesota's Department of Public Safety from even discussing REAL ID compliance with Homeland Security. The measure approved by the House recently would eliminate that ban and allow the process to begin.
“It’s important to remember there’s no need to panic regarding REAL ID,” said Loonan. “The Legislature passed this bill with wide bipartisan support to help our state research and understand REAL ID prior to implementation.”
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