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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Bob Gunther (R)

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REP. GUNTHER SUPPORTS REAL ID LEGISLATION

Thursday, March 31, 2016

ST. PAUL – The Minnesota House of Representatives has taken the first step towards REAL ID compliance, which would permit Minnesotans to legally board a commercial airplane beginning in 2018.

 

"Minnesota is one of few states that does not comply with this guideline," said State Representative Bob Gunther (R-Fairmont). "The federal government gave us a break a few months ago, now it's important that the legislature take needed action."

 

Due to privacy concerns, Minnesota had previously approved a law barring Minnesota's Department of Public Safety from even discussing REAL ID compliance with Homeland Security.

 

Minnesota then received a reprieve in January when the Department of Homeland Security said it needed to develop REAL ID-compliant licenses by 2018.

 

Gunther said the legislation approved by the House will remove the no-discussions ban between the state and federal government. He expects legislation that addresses actual REAL-ID compliance to be debated later this session.

 

"This first step is necessary because without it, Minnesota would never be able to start the REAL-ID conversation," Gunther said. "But as it stands today, Minnesotans can be at ease knowing the Legislature is working to resolve this issue, and there is no need to worry about boarding commercial aircraft with their current identification."