ST. PAUL, MN – On Tuesday, March 29, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill to start the state toward compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. By a vote of 125-2, SF1646 passed with wide bipartisan support. The legislation would repeal the ban on the Department of Public Safety (DPS) from researching steps toward compliance. A member of the REAL ID Legislative Working Group, Rep. Drew Christensen, R-Burnsville, released the following statement regarding the bill:
“Residents from throughout our area have contacted me and relayed their concerns about our lack of compliance with the federal REAL ID Act,” said Christensen. “I’m proud to help lead the charge to becoming REAL ID compliant while also protecting the personal privacy of all Minnesotans.”
Once signed into law, the language directs the Commissioner of Public safety to request temporary relief for Minnesota residents needing a REAL ID to enter military bases and federal buildings, and extend the commercial air travel deadline until October 1, 2020.
“It’s important to know our current identification cards are valid to board airplanes,” said Christensen. “The passage of this bill is a step toward compliance, and should put to rest any concerns of flying in the next few years.”
The bill will return to the Senate where it is expected to be re-passed as amended and sent to Governor Dayton to be signed into law.
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