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 broad bipartisan support. Rep. Dennis Smith, R-Maple Grove, authored the legislation to repeal the ban on the Department of Public Safety (DPS) from researching steps toward compliance. The ban on implementation of REAL ID remains in place pending further legislative action.
“I’m proud to author this bill to start our state on the road to federal conformity,” said Smith. “There are a number of privacy concerns and other specifics to debate, but repealing the ban on DPS is a needed first step. Minnesotans can be at ease knowing the Legislature is working to solve this issue, and there is no need to worry about boarding commercial aircraft with their current ID.”
Along with lifting the ban on DPS, the bill requires a report to the Legislature within 14 days of enactment detailing cost, recommended legislative changes, and other implementation steps.
"It's our goal to save Minnesotans the cost and hassle of having to make an extra trip to the DMV," said Speaker Kurt Daudt, R-Crown. "Today's vote is the first step in making that goal a reality, and I'm grateful to Representative Smith for his work and leadership on this issue."
"This bill allows us to move forward and begin the discussion on how best to meet federal requirements while still ensuring privacy of personal data for Minnesota families," added House Majority Leader Joyce Peppin, R-Rogers.
Once signed into law, the Commissioner of Public safety will be directed to request temporary relief for Minnesotans needing a REAL ID to enter military bases and federal buildings, as well as for air travel until the year 2020.
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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