Dayton, GOP Make Progress On REAL ID; Deadline Pushed Back 2 Years
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- It turns out Minnesotans have more time before they'll need a new driver's license to fly.
That means people without the high security driver's licenses, called Real ID, will have two years to get one.
Minnesota is one of the only states which hasn't adopted the more secure licenses. Just this morning, top lawmakers couldn't agree if they should hold a Special Session to deal with it.
Related: Real ID Act Requirements Pushed Back 2 More Years
Dayton met with GOP leaders for over an hour at his St. Paul residence. This comes just two days after he called out Republicans for dragging their feet on the ID situation.
Minnesota is one of a handful of states that has not complied with a federal government requirement for the IDs after 9/11 to enhance security at airports and federal buildings.
Related: Republicans Have Faster Plan To Fix IDs For Domestic Flights
Daudt said after the meeting that while no decision was made on a special session, he is confident Republicans and Democrats can work together to create the higher-security licenses.
"These issues need to be solved. I mean, people need some reassurance that when they go to the airport with their ID that they won't get turned away," Daudt said. "And we know that that won't happen, at least probably until … July 1 of … this year. You know, people need to know that this isn't something they're going to get turned away this week or next week or in a month."
After the DHS announced a deadline extension on Real ID compliance, Daudt said he was "encouraged."
"House Republicans remain committed to finding a resolution as soon as possible, but Minnesota residents can travel using their licenses for the foreseeable future without any fear of being turned away," Daudt said in a statement.
Dayton says the decision for the special session ultimately rests in GOP hands.
"It's their prerogative whether or not to reach a necessary agreement to enable me to call a special session. And as long as they're willing to work for that end, I'm willing to work with them," Dayton said.
After the announcement from the DHS, the governor's press secretary Matt Swenson released a statement.
"The State of Minnesota will continue its efforts to comply with the federal law, in accordance with the guidance provided today," the statement said.
Daudt says if they do call a special session, it would be at the end of January, but no later than the first week of February. The regular session starts in March.
