Sen. Terri Bonoff (DFL-Minnetonka)
The Minnesota Senate today overwhelmingly approved a bill that begins the process of changing Minnesota drivers licenses over to REAL ID. Minnetonka Democrat Terri Bonoff says times have changed since the legislature voted *not* to comply with the federal mandate. Bonoff says, “If we could have had a crystal ball and understood the kind of terroristic threats that we have faced since that time, we might not have voted with such strength against adopting the REAL ID.” But Maple Grove Republican Warren Limmer warns “there were serious privacy concerns that still have yet to be addressed.” The bill would lift the current ban in state law and allow agencies to talk about the issue. Supporters say the state must deal with the issue or Minnesotans at some point will not be able to use their drivers license to board aircraft.