From Deseret News archives:
Senate OKs driving permit for immigrants
Measure would take effect immediately if it becomes law
SB227 now goes to the House, after a vote split along party lines — all 21 Republicans voted yes, all eight Democrats voted no.
Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, had earlier put his bill on hold when he realized he was short of the 20 votes needed for a two-thirds majority. Without that super-majority in both houses, the bill would take effect July 1.
Sen. President John Valentine, R-Orem, said that supporters of the bill want it to take effect immediately because otherwise, "there'd be a run on the bank" for Utah drivers' licenses.
The proposed "driving privilege card" would be issued to those who don't qualify for a Social Security number. Currently illegal immigrants can get a driver's license using a tax identification number, ITIN, , issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, on Monday amended an unrelated bill in the Senate Judiciary Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standing Committee to make it compatible with Bramble's.
HB223 passed unanimously to the Senate floor. Oda said his bill would create a "third class of drivers" — legal aliens who aren't eligible to work. Currently only those with a Social Security number or ITIN can get a Utah driver's license.
Monday's amendment would make those who get a license under HB223 use the same "driving privilege card" as illegal immigrants, if both bills pass. The card would be valid for one year for illegal immigrants, and for legal residents it would be valid for five years, or until their visa expires.
"This is Hill Air Force Base friendly," Oda said, noting foreign military personnel train at the base. "They asked for this."
The bill would also benefit those here on student visas and those training here for the Olympics, he said.
Sen. Greg Bell, R-Fruit Heights, said the amendment seemed to address concerns about racial profiling with SB227, since an officer wouldn't know from looking at the permit what the holder's immigration status was.
During floor debate on SB227 Monday, Bramble said he understands his bill is compatible with a bill before the U.S. Congress that, if it passes, would create federal standards for drivers' licenses.
"Utah needs to deal with this now," Bramble said. "There is no guarantee that Congress is going to act."
Bramble released his bill in response to a state audit that suggested Utah is a portal for illegal immigrants from other states to get their licenses, and that some undocumented immigrants may have registered to vote and that 14 possibly voted.
