MN HF861

Appropriates $11,200,000 in fiscal year 2019 from the general fund to the commissioner of public safety for MNLARS and Driver's License System development, with $5,500,000 for Phase 2 of Driver's License System and $5,700,000 for MNLARS development and contractors.

Appropriates $2,000,000 in fiscal year 2019 from the general fund to temporarily increase Driver and Vehicle Services capacity through hiring temporary or contract employees and equipment, available only until June 30, 2019.

Requires the commissioner of public safety and state chief information officer to report quarterly on how appropriations have been spent and plans for remaining funds, with detailed line-item cost breakdowns.

Appropriates $100,000 in fiscal year 2019 to the legislative auditor to fund an independent expert review of MNLARS by May 1, 2019, including assessment of technical capability, staffing plans, project delivery feasibility, and recommendations on outsourcing options.

All appropriations are one-time and funds cannot be used for public information centers or customer service functions unrelated to system development.