Senator Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) today supported a first-phase solution to get Minnesota’s failed new MNLARS system turned around while adding strict new oversight requirements to protect taxpayers from further waste and mismanagement.

Senate File 3133 appropriates $9.65 million for MNLARS technical staff and technical repairs using an existing special revenue fund. This funding cannot be used for new FTEs. No new general funding spending will be used for the repairs. The bill also includes strict oversight measures, including a quarterly report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor, and a mechanism for the legislature to shut off all funding if development benchmarks are not met.

“MNLARS has been a complete disaster, and it has become increasingly clear that we will not be able to get it turned around without more money,” said Senator Benson. “The governor’s proposal to raise DMV fees was a deal breaker; I will not support asking taxpayers to pay more. Our solution using an existing special revenue account, and demands rigorous oversight going forward.”

Senate File 3133 details:

– The bill creates a bipartisan MNLARS Steering committee specifically responsible for legislative oversight.
– The bill requires Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Minnesota IT Services (MN.IT) officials to submit to the MNLARS Committee by May 15 a specific timeline and benchmarks for MNLARS to become fully operational.
– The MNLARS Committee must approve any additional appropriations as benchmarks are met.
– The committee would have the ability to stop MNLARS funding if MN.IT and DPS fail to meet promised benchmarks.
– The executive branch, as well as auto dealers and deputy registrars, will be involved in the process by submitting reports to the MNLARS Committee.

After a decade of development and nearly $100 million spent, MNLARS was rolled out July 2017 and has been plagued with problems ever since.