Policy bill, part I

A report that screeched to a halt in 2007 has been given a green light this year.

Sponsored by Rep. Frank Hornstein (DFL-Mpls) and Sen. Steve Murphy (DFL-Red Wing), an omnibus transportation policy bill was approved 88-44 by the House April 14. If approved by the Senate, the bill would go to the governor.

HF1351 was approved by a conference committee on the final day of the last year’s session, but was awaiting floor action when the final gavel was pounded. Hornstein said this is the first of two projected transportation policy bills for the year.

The bill changed slightly from last year. But a controversial addition is a provision calling for the use of state funds for the federal Real ID Act of 2005.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, “REAL ID is a nationwide effort to improve the integrity and security of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards, which in turn would help fight terrorism and reduce fraud.”

Opponents call it an $88 million unfunded mandate on the state. The bill says that if federal dollars would pay at least 95 percent of state costs, Minnesota could comply with the act. Further, it tries to ensure adequate security of resident data is in place.

“There is a building rebellion against this huge federally unfunded mandate with all sorts of huge, serious data privacy issues which begin to fly in the face of our U.S. Constitution,” said Rep. Carlos Mariani (DFL-St. Paul). He added that the National Governors Association, which Gov. Tim Pawlenty chairs, voted Feb. 24 to reject Real ID and called for full federal funding.

Previous Real ID language would have prohibited the Department of Public Safety from taking any steps towards complying with federal requirements. But conferees made a move towards the governor’s position. Still, some Republicans said the provision will get the bill vetoed.

“I have grave concerns with Real ID,” said Rep. Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan). “I think what the governor wants is ridiculous.”

In part, the bill addresses traffic regulations, vehicle registration, Department of Transportation planning reports, towing authority, Metropolitan Council planning, railway safety and truck weight restrictions.

Among the minor changes to last year’s bill are shifting effective dates by one year from 2007 to 2008; removing obsolete or duplicative provisions, such as things included in the transportation finance law passed earlier this year; and updating some verbiage.

Other provisions in the bill include:

• people who need to keep their address hidden, such as a stalking victim or battered woman, can use a post office box on their driver’s license or state identification;

• MnDOT would evaluate the state’s long-term transportation needs and identify strategies to meet the needs;

• the reopening of the Culkin Rest Area on Interstate 35 between Hinckley and Duluth; and

• the Public Safety Department would study allowing credit and debit card payments of vehicle registration taxes, title transactions and driver’s license and identification card fees. A report would be due to the Legislature.