Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa)
Could undocumented immigrants get drivers licenses in Minnesota? That’s the major issue as negotiators soon try to strike a compromise over REAL ID bills passed by the state Senate and House. Senate Republican Majority Leader Paul Gazelka from Nisswa says about the state issuing drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants: “I don’t think they are able to right now, under present language. That’s why the governor hasn’t done it in the last six years. So we would rather leave that one, though, off the table and just focus on REAL ID.”
House Republicans are apparently taking no chances and want state law to explicitly prohibit issuance of drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants. Governor Mark Dayton wants the law left as it is, arguing it allows the Public Safety Department to change its rules so the licenses *could* be issued.