Proposal advances for Indiana driving cards for immigrants

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana lawmakers pushed forward for the primary time on Tuesday a proposal that may enable immigrants dwelling within the nation illegally to acquire state-issued playing cards giving them permission to drive.

A state Senate committee voted 5-4 to endorse the invoice, a step that comes after comparable proposals launched over the previous decade have by no means superior within the Republican-dominated Legislature.

The invoice would set up driver privilege playing cards, which the Indiana Bureau of Motor Autos might situation to immigrants who move the state’s driving check, have paid Indiana taxes previously yr, submitted to a fingerprint background test and supply proof of auto insurance coverage.

Eighteen states, together with California, Illinois, New York and Utah, have already got authorized comparable driving playing cards lately, in accordance to the Nationwide Convention of State Legislatures.

Supporters argue such an Indiana program will enhance security on the roads, scale back the variety of uninsured drivers and make it simpler for cops to establish drivers throughout visitors stops.

Republican Sen. Jim Buck of Kokomo voted towards the proposal after saying he was bothered by the state giving driving privileges to individuals who weren’t following immigration guidelines.

The invoice must win approval from the complete state Senate within the coming weeks to advance to the Home for consideration.