In 2009, Minnesota’s legislature voted overwhelmingly on a bipartisan vote to ban the Department of Public Safety from implementing the new requirements due to concerns about data privacy and how the federal government would use information obtained for REAL ID-compliant licenses and other forms of identification.
This would allow the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to prepare and submit a plan to the legislature detailing costs and other factors involved in implementation. Having this information will help the legislature move forward so that county DMVs can start issuing REAL ID licenses within the year. Lifting the ban will also enable the DPS Commissioner to request an extension from the Department of Homeland Security, allowing Minnesotans to enter military bases and federal buildings using their current IDs.
Our goal is to have driver's licenses ready to be issued starting in October so Minnesotans can renew on their current renewal schedule and not have to purchase a new license prior to 2020 when a REAL ID will be required to board an airplane.
Once the DPS's plan is given to us in the legislature, we will work on a bill to implement REAL ID. My fellow representatives and I will continue to discuss how best to approach data privacy, and make sure that Minnesotans' personal data is protected and not misused by the federal government. I am confident we can accomplish this very soon!
For a Bit of a Chuckle
On Tuesday, I met Robbie Burnett, a professor at Mankato State University, who was testifying in the Education Policy Committee.
It turns out she is a very snappy dresser! Everyone in the hearing had a good laugh, including Robbie and myself. It was such a funny coincidence, and a real pleasure to meet Prof. Burnett. You never know what the day will bring at the Capitol!
Happy Easter!
With Easter coming up this weekend, I am reminded that Spring is just around the corner! As the season shifts and we see new life and rebirth all around us, it makes the Easter story of Christ's resurrection all the more real to me. Whether you celebrate Easter or not, I hope you find time to relax with family and friends this weekend! Happy Easter!
Sincerely,
Peggy