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House, Senate reject REAL ID

Last update: May 13, 2008 - 10:35 PM

By veto-proof margins, the Minnesota House and Senate approved a bill Tuesday that would bar state driver's license authorities from implementing federal REAL ID regulations.

Gov. Tim Pawlenty vetoed an earlier attempt to require that certain conditions be met before the state changed licenses to meet federal rules.

The Senate's vote Tuesday was 50-16; the House's 103-30. Both margins were more than enough to override another veto.

Many states have resisted the REAL ID mandate. Eventually, it will require that every citizen carry a U.S. government-approved card to board a plane or enter a federal facility.

Critics say that it will be costly to implement and that too much personal information will be added to a national database.

Supporters argue that a more secure identification card will help in homeland security and immigration control efforts.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

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Governor: Tim Pawlenty
One of only a few prominent Republicans to win a competitive re-election contest in the Democratic sweep of 2006, Tim Pawlenty is widely seen as politically shrewd and naturally likable.

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