Sen. Nelson supported ‘MNLARS fix bill’ passes MN Senate
Requires strict oversight for broken licensing, tabs, and registration system
Senator Nelson and the Minnesota Senate passed bipartisan legislation that adds strict oversight and accountability, as well as additional funding, to fix the failed automotive licensing and vehicle registration system known as MNLARS.
“This bill is the first step in repairing our broken Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) system,” said Senator Nelson. “Stakeholders had long forewarned the problems. Their voices were not heeded, even though Department of Public Safety (DPS)leaders were contacted in August about MNLARS failures (see letter from Sen. Nelson). While DPS offered an apology, no solutions were given.”
The bill appropriates $10 million from existing funds for driver and vehicle services for immediate IT related expenses. The bill also includes strict oversight measures, including a quarterly report from the Office of the Legislative Auditor, and a mechanism for the legislature to shut off all funding if development benchmarks are not met. Specifically, it requires Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Minnesota IT Services (MN.IT) officials to submit a proposed timeline, including quarterly benchmarks, for a fully-functional program to the MNLARS Steering Committee by May 15. As the software is developed, the committee must approve any additional quarterly appropriation, provided the quarterly benchmarks are being met.
“Licensing officials, auto dealers, lenders, and drivers across the state have waited long enough for a MNLARS fix,” added Senator Nelson. “This emergency funding comes from existing reserves and will be spent only after strict legislative oversight. MNLARS has been a textbook case of government inefficiency, and thanks to this first step, we can finally start to repair this bureaucratic mess.”
Thankfully, Governor Dayton signed the bill into law. For more information, see Sen. Nelson’s video update below.
School Safety
School safety is on the minds of all. I am leading the charge in the Minnesota Senate to provide one time safe schools aid in this non-budget year. Its allowed uses are for facility and staff costs to harden the target and provide mental health, counselors, psychologists and social workers according to locally determined need. Funds may be expended over three years. See the video below for more information.
Capitol Conversations
Sen. Nelson was glad to be joined by Dr. Adenuga Atewologun, President of Riverland Community College, and Steve Bowron, Riverland’s Dean for Institutional Advancement, to discuss higher education and campus improvements.
It is always inspiring to meet with our next generation of health care professionals. These aspiring dietitians from the Mayo Clinic Health System discussed healthy food systems and hunger issues.
Always great meeting with folks representing the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and our state’s agriculture industry. John Lubinski, Richard Field, and I discussed energy utilities and their impact on farmers and agriculture.
Take My Survey!
Please click here to voice your opinions on SF 3731, a bill on minor children background studies which will be heard in committee. You can read the text of the bill here.