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. Rep. Chad Anderson, R-Bloomington, released the following statement regarding the bill:
“I’ve heard from many Bloomington residents who have concerns about a lack of REAL ID in Minnesota, and I’m proud to vote to start our state toward compliance,” said Anderson. “I understand there are privacy concerns and other matters to still discuss, but we needed to take this first step to ease the concerns of 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.
“By repealing the ban on DPS, we should receive greater latitude from the federal government, helping relieve some of the anxiety related to Minnesota’s lack of REAL ID compliance ,” said Anderson.
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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