Senator Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center) issued the following statement on the passage of House File 3, the REAL ID compliance bill, by the Senate.

“Finishing REAL ID was an urgent priority this year. We’ve all seen the news reports and are aware of what’s at stake – starting next year, Minnesotans will not be able to fly or enter federal buildings using our current driver’s licenses. Those worries can now be laid to rest with the strong bipartisan passage of our REAL ID bill; if you’re planning to take a vacation or visit a family member in the service, you’ll be able to do so without difficulty.

 

“This bill is also about choice. There are a lot of people who have expressed concerns about what will happen with their personal data. Our REAL ID compromise takes those concerns seriously, and gives Minnesotans the option – you can choose to get a REAL ID-compliant license, or you can stick with your standard option. Nobody will be forced into REAL ID if they prefer to travel with a current passport or enhanced ID, but now Minnesotans have the convenience of a REAL ID option.”