MA House Passes Driver's License Bill For Undocumented Immigrants

MASSACHUSETTS — The Massachusetts House of Representatives approved a bill Wednesday that would allow undocumented immigrants to get state driver's licenses.

House lawmakers overwhelmingly supported the bill, which passed by a 120-36 vote. If passed into law, immigrants would qualify for a Massachusetts standard driver's license if they presented valid proof of identity, date of birth and state residency.

"Today, the House took a significant step towards bringing all Massachusetts drivers under the same licensing and insurance standards, regardless of immigration status," House Speaker Ron Mariano said. "In addition to increasing safety on our roads for all drivers, this legislation recognizes the essential role our immigrant neighbors play in our society and economy by ensuring that everyone has access to a driver’s license. "

Proponents of the bill say it expands access to services for immigrants and helps police if every driver has passed a road test and has an insured and licensed vehicle.

"This bill would provide broad benefits to our municipalities. Our streets will be safer for everyone when all drivers have passed road tests, and vehicles are registered and insured," a letter from 19 mayors and town managers supporting the bill read in part. "Indeed, many of our policy chiefs support the bill as a public safety tool and agree that it will enable law enforcement to better identify individuals at traffic stops or scenes of an accident."

However, while the legislation is backed by some local and law enforcement leaders, critics say others have refrained from taking a stance on the issue. Rep. Paul Frost, a Republican from Auburn, said it would encourage immigrants to come to Massachusetts without trying to obtain legal status.

"It sends the wrong message," Frost said.

To get a license, immigrants would have to present either a valid unexpired passport or valid unexpired consular identification and an unexpired driver's license from a U.S. state or territory, a birth certificate, a valid unexpired foreign national identification card or driver's license, or a Massachusetts marriage certificate. At least one piece of documentation must have a photograph.

The bill would not register undocumented immigrants to vote.

It now moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate for approval, and then to Gov. Charlie Baker, who has opposed similar legislation in the past. A two-thirds vote in the House and Senate would override a potential veto by Baker.