Measure that extends driving privileges OK'd

A bill that would extend driving privileges to legal immigrants who aren't eligible to work received unanimous preliminary approval in the Senate Monday.

HB223, originally sponsored by Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, would create a third class of drivers. Currently only those with a Social Security number or temporary tax number (ITIN) issued by the Internal Revenue Service can get a driver's license.

The bill still needs final Senate approval before going to the governor's office.

Sen. Sheldon Killpack, R-Syracuse, presented the bill to the Senate. He said he carried the bill because of the impact it would have on thousands of workers at Hill Air Force Base, located within his district.

"This is not an identification card that gives them any indication they are citizens,' he said.

Killpack said the bill includes a coordination clause for the bill to work with a similar bill, SB227, that amends driver privileges for illegal immigrants. If both bills pass, those covered by Oda's bill and illegal immigrants would receive a driving privilege card that couldn't be used as identification. For those covered by Oda's bill, the permit would expire in the shorter of five years or with the person's visa.

"Should 227 not pass, this bill would stand alone and continue to issue drivers' licenses to immigrants," Killpack said.