Freedom to Drive
On Friday, the House took another significant step toward ensuring safety on Minnesota roads. With a bipartisan vote, we approved HF 1500, a bill to provide a pathway for all Minnesotans to obtain a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status. This measure has drawn a nearly unprecedented coalition of supporters including business groups, law enforcement, agricultural organizations, faith communities, and labor unions.
As a prosecutor, I found the letters of support from law enforcement across the state to be particularly compelling. For example, the Shakopee Police Chief explained, "After passing laws to allow undocumented drivers access to licenses, New Mexico saw its rate of uninsured drivers drop by 24%. Utah saw a similar drop of 20%." Undocumented people drive for the same reasons as the rest of us: to get to work, get kids to school, run errands or get to medical appointments. It only makes sense that these drivers receive the comprehensive road safety training a required by a driver’s license, as well as the ability to obtain auto insurance, which provides protection for everyone on the road.
All driver’s licenses issued under the type will be labeled “not for voting.” Prior to 2003, immigrants were able to get driver’s licenses without fear of deportation until a rule change was made prohibiting this. By passing the “Driver’s Licenses for All” measure, we can improve public safety, grow our economy, and show we value our immigrant communities by treating them with dignity and respect. |
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