MINNESOTA HOUSE APPROVES REPEAL OF REAL ID MORATORIUM
ST. PAUL – Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation that would allow Minnesota to prepare for the implementation of REAL ID. State Representative Dave Baker (R-Willmar) voted in favor of the measure.
"Today’s vote is an important first step in ensuring Minnesota comes into federal identification compliance,” Baker said.
In January, the Department of Homeland Security told Minnesota it had until 2018 to develop REAL ID-compliant licenses in order for residents to board an airplane.
Minnesota had previously approved a law barring Minnesota's Department of Public Safety from even discussing REAL ID compliance with Homeland Security. The measure approved by the House recently would partially eliminate that ban and allow the planning process to begin.
“At the end of the day, Minnesotans want to be assured that they can board an airplane without issue,” said Baker. “Our action today means that the legislature now has time to thoroughly review REAL ID and make sure that Minnesota is brought into compliance well in advance of the 2018 deadline.”
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