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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Jenifer Loon (R)

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Legislative Update from Rep. Jenifer Loon

Friday, April 1, 2016

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Here is an update on recent actions and notable events happening at the Capitol.

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS UPDATE:

  • REAL ID
  • Survey

REAL ID

Over the past several months, a number of concerned constituents from Eden Prairie have contacted me regarding REAL ID and what it means for Minnesotans with a state-issued driver's license. On Tuesday, the House approved bipartisan legislation that repeals a 2009 state law prohibiting the state's Department of Public Safety (DPS) from preparing for REAL ID compliance, jumpstarting the process for our state to conform to federal REAL ID requirements.

In January, the Department of Homeland Security told Minnesota it has until 2018 to develop REAL ID-compliant licenses in order for residents to board an airplane with possible extensions through 2020. While Minnesota's licenses currently do not comply with the federal REAL ID Act, the measure approved by the House Tuesday would repeal that ban and give DPS 14 days to issue a report to the legislature detailing the steps needed for implementation, costs and other necessary legislative changes. Once that report is submitted, the legislature will review the report and act to authorize implementation of REAL ID before adjournment in May.

The bill passed this week also gives the DPS Commissioner a directive to seek an immediate extension from Homeland Security which would allow Minnesotans to use their current driver's license to enter a military facility or federal building.

Minnesotans should rest assured that they can continue to travel without undue difficulty and their state-issued driver's license will continue to be a valid form of identification to board a domestic commercial flight. The ultimate goal is to have the first REAL ID Minnesota drivers' licenses issued by October of this year so that people can renew their expired license on a regular four-year cycle without additional costs or hassle.

I look forward to resolving this issue this session and will keep you updated as this issue progresses through the legislature.

Survey

My 2016 Legislative Survey is available to take online, giving me another opportunity to gather feedback from constituents about important issues being debated at the Capitol. Your opinions are valuable and guide me in evaluating legislation and its impact on our community.

If you haven't taken my survey yet, just go to this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RepLoon2016

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts! Also, don't forget to share my survey with your friends and family in District 48B!

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If I can be of any assistance to you with a state government matter, please feel free to contact me.  I always welcome your views, questions and suggestions on issues of interest or concern.  I can be reached via email at rep.jenifer.loon@house.mn or you can call my office at 651-296-7449. I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Jenifer Loon