REAL ID was signed into law today after both chambers passed the bill yesterday.   

Minnesota legislators have worked on REAL ID since 2005. It has been a complicated path due to legislators’ concerns over data privacy and issues related to driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants.

The Council is glad that this was a “clean” REAL ID bill, with no anti-immigrant language. However, the public should still expect to see language that originally complicated REAL ID’s passing earlier this year, inserted into the Public Safety & Judiciary budget bill.

The first attempt occurred last week when language was inserted in the Public Safety/Judiciary conference report (SF 803). The language would restrict the Governor and Commissioner of Public Safety from revising rules (MN Rules 7410.0100 – 7410.0800). MN Rule 7410.0410 Proof of Residency requires proof of, “lawful status”. This is a rule that was not required prior to 2003. 

The Governor last night stated that he will not discuss policy in budget bills. 

With 5 days to go to the end of this regular session, the Governor and leadership in the House and Senate are in daily negotiations. 

Please note that the passing of REAL ID does not provide undocumented immigrants with a driver’s license, the current status still remains the same. 

This is a developing update.