Minnesota
‘Driver’s licenses for all’ becomes law in Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) – New laws that goals to offer “driver’s licenses for all” has formally been signed into regulation by Gov. Tim Walz.
The official signing is the end result of a long-running marketing campaign to provide a at the moment estimated 81,000 undocumented immigrants the appropriate to drive legally in Minnesota, in keeping with a information launch.
After progressing by the DFL-controlled Home and Senate, Democrat lawmakers have mentioned the laws will make life simpler for undocumented folks by permitting them authorized entry to driving autos. The laws has seen assist from advocate teams.
“Guaranteeing drivers in our state are licensed and carry insurance coverage makes the roads safer for all Minnesotans,” mentioned Gov. Walz in a press release after the signing. “As a longtime supporter of this invoice, I’m proud to lastly signal it into regulation, making our roads safer and shifting us towards our purpose of constructing Minnesota the very best state to boost a household for everybody.”
In accordance with an announcement from Walz, the invoice will “enhance security throughout Minnesota by making certain that every one drivers are licensed, insured, and have taken driver’s schooling programs.”
“All Minnesotans deserve to have the ability to work and to maintain themselves and their households,” mentioned Home Speaker Melissa Hortman of the laws beforehand. “Guaranteeing everybody has entry to driver’s licenses will enhance public security for everybody, develop the state financial system, and deal with immigrant communities with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Nonetheless, Republicans have beforehand argued that broadening license entry might additional result in unintended penalties comparable to election and advantages fraud.
The regulation reverses a 2003 rule change by then-Gov. Tim Pawlenty, whose administration barred folks with out authorized standing from getting licenses within the title of safety after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror assaults.