SAINT PAUL, MINN. - During tonight's House floor debate on a bill related to REAL ID, State Rep. Rick Hansen moved an amendment that would ensure the legislature actually solves the REAL ID issue once and for all this legislative session.
His amendment would give the legislature until the end of the session to pass legislation that would move Minnesota to compliance on REAL ID. If the legislature fails to pass compliance legislation, the Governor's Office would be granted the authority to implement a REAL ID solution.
The amendment failed on a vote of 48-79. Rep. Hansen released the following statement:
"We have talked and talked about REAL ID and this bill simply permits more talking. What Minnesotans really want is for its legislature to solve problems.
My amendment provides Minnesotans assurance that we will solve REAL ID this legislative session. It's unfortunate that it did not pass.
I remain committed to solving REAL ID for Minnesotans this session, but I am wary of the House Republican Majority ability to solve this problem once and for all this session."