Assembly committee advances bill that allows driver’s licenses for immigrants in country illegally

A bill that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain driver's licenses passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee Monday.

News 12 Staff

Dec 9, 2019, 9:10 PM

Updated 1,598 days ago

Share:

A bill that would let immigrants in the country illegally obtain driver's licenses passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee Monday.
The bill would create two different types of driver’s licenses: one that requires proof of citizenship and one that does not.

Advocates say the bill will increase public safety and decrease insurance premiums.

Chairwoman Elaine Quijano says the bill will change thousands of lives in the Garden State, a state with urban, suburban and rural communities that require residents to drive a car to get from point A to point B.
Erika Nava, of NJ Policy Perspective, agreed with this as she testified before the committee.
Nava said, "When it comes to allowing all New Jerseyans, regardless of status, to drive legally, the facts from our data are clear: this common-sense policy will pay for itself, generate revenue, make the roads safer, stabilize insurance premiums, and increase the well-being of many families."
However, some advocates also say the bill is complicated and that securing driver's licenses for all won’t be easy.

Republicans object to the bill, saying driving is a privilege not a right.

The bill still passed committee 4-2 and will head to the full Assembly.
Gov. Murphy said he will sign the bill if it passes the Assembly and Senate.
The bill would not have any impact on citizenship or voting.


More from News 12
2:02
Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

Exclusive: Animal rescue group stepping in to help cats in danger of being mauled

1:56
Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

Temperatures to plummet overnight; winter-like chills expected Thursday morning

2:04
Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

Multiplex Cinemas in Concourse Plaza set to close next month

1:47
Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

Libraries could see new changes following no reversal of $58.3 million budget cut

1:59
NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

NYPD: Fordham shooting kills 34-year-old man, leaves another man critical

1:46
NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

NYCHA resident says boiler issue causing safety and health concerns

2:25
Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

Parked car left in shambles; video shows car smash into it multiple times

1:42
New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

New community center focuses on supporting former male inmates on road to recovery

1:35
The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

The Bronx Museum of Arts new exhibit showcases NYC artists from fellowship

1:14
Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

Police Athletic League hosts annual singing and dancing competition for kids

1:35
New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

New Yankees murals at Bronx Terminal Market pays homage to Black baseball legends

1:04
DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

DOT adds $6 million to boost overnight and evening deliveries over peak hours

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:20
MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

MTA service alerts system now includes bridges, tunnels

0:23
Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

Police: 2 men wanted for robbing Gamestop store at knifepoint in East Tremont

0:24
NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

NYPD: Suspect at large in West Concourse stabbing that left victim in grave condition

2:07
Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

Two NYPD officers arrested and facing multiple charges of sexual assault

1:57
Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

Security heightened at Bronx Home Depot following customer complaints of uncomfortable encounters

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

DA: 3 teens indicted for killing bystander, wounding 4 in subway shooting

1:53
Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day

Bronx bookworms take part in writing workshop for World Book Day