ST. PAUL – Members of the Minnesota House of Representatives approved legislation that would allow Minnesota to address the REAL ID issue. State Representative Jim Nash, R-Waconia, voted in favor of the measure.
“We have to pass this bill as a first step before we begin to look at how to address ease of travel for Minnesotans, and protect personal identifiable information,” said Nash. “The passage of this bill is a necessary first phase, but it still allows the Legislature final approval before implementation.”
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. Currently Minnesota's licenses do not comply with the federal REAL ID Act.
Minnesota had previously approved a law barring Minnesota's Department of Public Safety (DPS) from even discussing REAL ID compliance with Homeland Security. The measure approved by the House recently would eliminate that ban and allow the process to begin.
“I’ll continue to research REAL ID, and will do what I can to protect personal information while ensuring you and your family can use your ID to board an airplane or enter a federal facility,” said Nash.
###