State Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) today announced a proposal to bring Minnesota in compliance with the federal REAL ID act as a legislative working group meets for the first time in advance of a possible special session.
“My bill would allow us immediately and finally end the heartburn Minnesotans are feeling, whether or not they will be able to board airplanes in the near future,” said Rep. Hansen. “Upgrading to a REAL ID should not cost Minnesota taxpayers any more money. With Minnesota’s current budget surplus lawmakers shouldn’t be putting any additional cost on the people of Minnesota. We have the resources to do this, so let’s do it now.”
Hansen’s bill would repeal the prohibition on the state Department of Public Safety from taking steps to comply with REAL ID, which was passed by the Legislature in 2009. It also funds the administrative costs for Department of Public Safety, Department of Transportation, and the Deputy Registrars to plan, administer, and implement new ID cards. The proposal also provides an opt out for Minnesotans who do not want to use a REAL ID card. Lastly, it covers the cost toward obtaining a REAL ID compliant driver’s license or identification card.
“It is unacceptable to force Minnesotans to wait in limbo until whenever for a resolution,” said Rep. Hansen. “We can do this tomorrow as long people put politics aside and put the needs of everyday Minnesotans first.”
REAL ID is a federal program passed by Congress in 2005 requiring security standards for photo identification in order to fly on commercial airplanes and to visit federal facilities and military bases.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently denied Minnesota’s request for an extension to become compliant with REAL ID. This means that likely sometime in 2016, enforcement will begin and Minnesotans will need REAL ID compliant identification in order to board an aircraft. DHS has, however, said they will give a 120 day warning to states prior to this enforcement.
Gov. Dayton has stated he would like an agreement between his administration and legislative leaders prior to calling a special session to address REAL ID and other topics by tomorrow.