Senator Julie Rosen (R-Vernon Center) today voted for emergency funding and stricter oversight as a first step to get Minnesota’s failed new MNLARS system back on track.
Senate File 3133 appropriates $9.65 million for MNLARS technical staff and technical repairs using an existing special revenue fund. This funding cannot be used for new FTEs or an internal audit. No new general funding spending will be used for the repairs. 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.
“Unfortunately, we are at the point where we have to spend money to get MNLARS fixed,” said Senator Rosen. “However, I will not support any new funding, nor will I support the governor’s plan to ask taxpayers to pay more via higher DMV fees. Those are non-starters. Our plan provides emergency funding using an existing special revenue account, and just as important, has strong legislative oversight protections in place so taxpayers will not be on the hook if MNLARS officials don’t meet their promised benchmarks.”
Senate File 3133 details:
– The bill creates a bipartisan MNLARS Steering committee specifically responsible for legislative oversight.
– The bill requires Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Minnesota IT Services (MN.IT) officials to submit to the MNLARS Committee by May 15 a specific timeline and benchmarks for MNLARS to become fully operational.
– The MNLARS Committee must approve any additional appropriations as benchmarks are met.
– The committee would have the ability to stop MNLARS funding if MN.IT and DPS fail to meet promised benchmarks.
– The executive branch, as well as auto dealers and deputy registrars, will be involved in the process by submitting reports to the MNLARS Committee.
Senator Rosen is also moving a bill that would overhaul the MN.IT’s operations by allowing the private sector to compete for all future IT projects.
After a decade of development and nearly $100 million spent, MNLARS was rolled out July 2017 and has been plagued with problems ever since.