"What I've been hearing from our elected officials is this is a done deal," Robles said. "The audit created such a big damage. . . . (Bramble's bill is) better than losing the whole thing."

Tony Yapias, former director of the State Office of Hispanic Affairs, said the task force has lost its credibility with the community.

"At no point in time did they tell anyone other than themselves about this decision," he said. "If I'm accusing them of anything, it's that they did not go to the community."

Tony Yapias added that a bill before Washington could nullify any action Utah lawmakers take. U.S. Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., is sponsoring a national security bill that would prevent drivers' licenses issued by states that licenseundocumented immigrants from being used for the purpose of federal identification.

"What we're saying is wait until Washington decides what the standards are going to be in the states," Yapias said.

However, Bramble, R-Provo, said, "It's appropriate for Utah to address the issues in this state. . . . Given the results of the audit, I believe this is something that needs to be resolved this session."

Rep. Duane Bourdeaux, D-Salt Lake, who said he opposes any effort to take away the undocumented immigrants' licenses, said, "To be realistic, I think the votes are there."

Bourdeaux said he'd "work with my colleagues, so if it is passed, it will pass with the least damage."

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E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com