A Democratic-sponsored measure that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain a Colorado driver’s license is slated to be introduced on Monday in the Senate.
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Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Commerce City
Championed by Sen. Jessie Ulibarri, D-Commerce City, the bill would require Coloradans seeking a drivers license to provide a tax identification number, a tax return and present identification from their country of origin.
“It’s good for all of us to make sure the people driving on our roads are safe and this allows people to get licenses and know the rules of the road,” said Ulibarri, noting the bill will be called the Colorado Road and Community Safety Act.
Ulibarri said that after latest year’s failed attempt at a ballot initiative to make undocumented immigrants eligible for driver’s licenses, he was motivated to have lawmakers cast votes on the issue. Prior to 1999, Colorado granted licenses to all residents.
Illinois, New Mexico and Washington currently allow illegal immigrants to posses the same driver’s licenses as U.S. citizens, and Ulibarri said more than a dozen states this year are considering a move toward passing similar laws.
Sen. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, said he would have to read the bill before making a comment, but did say that Democrats are continuing to push a widely liberal agenda.
“It just seems like they’re going for the brass ring in everything,” Brophy said. “Whether it’s guns, Medicaid expansion or the death penalty.”
Sen. Ken Lambert, R-Colorado Springs, told the Associated Press he believes this measure could violate federal immigration laws.
This month, state lawmakers passed a bill that grants in-state tuition rates to public universities in Colorado for undocumented students.
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