MAPLE GROVE, MN—Representative Dennis Smith, R-Maple Grove, issued the following statement regarding today's news that Minnesota has been granted a grace period by the Department of Homeland Security that will ensure Minnesota drivers licenses can continue to be used to board airplanes and enter federal buildings until at least October 2018. Earlier this month Minnesota was granted an extension until January of 2018.
"I am thankful that the efforts this past session to pass REAL ID into law is coming to full realization with this extension granted by the federal government. Focus now shifts to the troubled MNLARS system to ensure the implementation of the REAL ID law moves forward and a REAL ID is in the hand of any Minnesotan who wants one."
Rep. Smith was the chief author of House File 3, the REAL ID implementation bill that was passed by the legislature and signed into law by Governor Dayton earlier this year. He also serves as Vice Chair of the House Civil Law and Data Practices Policy Committee.
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