Friends,
It was a busy week at the Capitol. We passed some big bills off the floor and heard many in committee. Here's my update on the highlights from this week.
REAL ID Passes House
On Thursday the House passed the REAL ID bill, which will make Minnesota REAL ID compliant. The bill, which I am a co-author on, passed on a bipartisan vote of 72-58. Without action on REAL ID this session, Minnesota driver’s licenses will no longer be acceptable for boarding planes as soon as January of 2018.
REAL ID is a federal law passed in 2005 with the goal to make it more difficult for potential terrorists to obtain fake identification cards by setting standards that states must meet for their driver’s licenses. Some federal facilities, including military bases, have already began to require those without compliant licenses to provide passports or other documentation in order to be admitted.
The Senate version of the bill, SF 166, is making its way through the committee process.
For further explanation, you can watch a video my colleague made to explain what REAL ID is and what it does.
The bottom line is that if this bill becomes law Minnesotans will be able to continue to board planes and enter federal facilities including military bases with their driver's licenses.
Sunday Sales
Finally, the Minnesota House passed legislation Monday that would legalize the sale of liquor, beer, and wine on Sundays, the first time in state history that standalone legislation on this issue has been approved. Grassroots activists for this issue made their voice heard loud and clear over the years and it culminated in it passing with broad, bipartisan support. I am glad to have vote for this bill that allows stores who wish to be open to be open on Sundays.
It passed on a bipartisan 85-45 vote, and now heads to the Senate which is expected to consider it early next week.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at 651-296-5513 or emailing me at rep.mark.uglem@house.mn.
Thank you and have a great week,
Mark