Driving cards approved

A bill that would replace illegal immigrants' drivers' licenses with "driving privilege cards" — which could not be used as identification — appeared headed to the Governor's Office on Tuesday after the House voted 53-18 to approve the measure.

Concerns about racial profiling and the ability to open bank accounts didn't halt the progress of SB227 in the House, although some Republicans who voted for the measure said they did so because the sponsors had assured them they'd work in the interim to address concerns.

The bill needed Senate concurrence before tonight's adjournment since it was amended to require proof of Utah residency to get a state identification card, driver's license or driving privilege card. Several other proposed amendments to soften the bill failed.

After receiving two-thirds majority in both houses, it will take effect immediately after it becomes law. Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has said he supports the bill.

House sponsor Rep. Rebecca Lockhart, R-Provo, said the bill was spurred by a state audit that found 383 people who appeared to be undocumented had registered to vote and 14 had voted. The audit also suggested Utah is being used as a portal for undocumented aliens from other states to get drivers' licenses.

"We have a problem with the credibility of our licenses," Lockhart said. "The federal government has failed in its duty to pick up this (immigration) issue. This is one piece we can pick up."

The card would also be given to legal immigrants who aren't eligible for a Social Security number, under an unrelated bill that received final approval Tuesday in a 21-8 Senate vote.

That bill, HB223, would close a loophole that only allowed those with a Social Security number or temporary tax identification number (ITIN) to get a driver's license.

HB223 sponsor Rep. Curt Oda, R-Clearfield, said it will benefit allies training at Hill Air Force Base, foreign students and athletes training for the Olympics.

Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara, a banker, said the Patriot Act requires the following in order to open a bank account: an ID with a signature, picture, a number unique to the card, and an issuance and expiration date.

"The only ID I own that meets the Patriot Act qualifications is my Utah driver's license," he said, noting he'd support the bill.

Following the debate, Senate sponsor Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, said he had checked with public safety commissioner Robert Flowers, and financial institutions would be able to accept the driving privilege card as identification under the Patriot Act. Only government agencies would be prevented from using it, he said.