REAL I.D. squashes policy bill (vetoed)

The positives did not outweigh one negative for Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

The governor vetoed the omnibus 2007 transportation policy bill April 25 because, according to his veto message, it contained “problematic language relating to the implementation of more secure driver’s licenses under the federal REAL I.D. Act.”

The act’s goal is to make documents harder to forge, reduce identity fraud and help reduce illegal immigration. States have called it an unfunded mandate, and others have questioned the security associated with the plan and have expressed concern about data privacy issues.

Pawlenty warned that if state licenses are not in federal compliance by the end of 2009, Minnesotans would be unable to use their driver’s license or state identification card for air travel or to enter federal buildings.

Vetoed language said that if federal dollars would pay at least 95 percent of state costs, Minnesota could comply with the act. It also sought to ensure adequate security of resident data to prevent unauthorized access.

Initial language would have prohibited the Department of Public Safety from taking any steps toward complying with federal requirements. But conferees moved toward the governor’s position.

“The federal government’s response is not complete or finalized,” Pawlenty wrote. “Until it is, we should be careful not to unduly restrict our ability to at least begin preparations for implementing REAL I.D. or to undertake state initiatives to improve our Minnesota driver’s licenses.”

Pawlenty is also concerned about costs and privacy, but said the bill’s provisions are “flawed.”

“A clear description of the items or activities we expect the federal government to fund should be included in the bill. Many of the costs of REAL I.D. will overlap with security features Minnesota will pursue for its driver’s licenses independently of REAL I.D. It is unrealistic for the federal government to pay for implementing those state features.” Pawlenty indicated that program funding would be provided on a reimbursement basis, as is the case with many other federal programs.

HF1351*/SF1971/CH239