Protecting
Democracy
Transportation Security: 2002 Driver's Licensing Bills
Drivers' licenses, the nation's primary form of accepted identification
have received renewed scrutiny following the terrorist attacks. A number
of states are examining ways to improve the application process to eliminate
identity theft and fraud. Following is a list of bills being considered
in state legislatures.
Illinois - Legislation is being considered that would allow
applicants for driver's licenses who do not have a Social Security number
to use an alternative form of identification.
Kentucky - In Kentucky, a bill has been introduced that would require
the Social Security number of an applicant for an operator's license only
if the applicant has a Social Security number. The bill also expands the
list of eligible documents used by foreign nationals who apply for a Kentucky
operator's license.
Michigan - Legislation has been introduced to prevent illegal aliens
from applying for driver's licenses. The bill requires all applicants to
be in the United States lawfully.
New Jersey - Legislation has been introduced that would prohibit illegal
aliens from receiving a license. It also provides that licenses issued
to individuals who are in the United States on a visa would expire the
same day as their visa.
Rhode Island - Legislation has been introduced that would require all
driver's license applicants to submit proof that they are in the United
States legally.
South Carolina - Proposed legislation would prohibit the Department
of Motor Vehicles from licensing illegal aliens.
Tennessee - Under current law, a license applicant without a Social
Security number can obtain a license. This bill would remove this provision.
Vermont - A bill has been introduced to require identity and background
checks for all driver's license applicants. The information would be cross-referenced
with the National Crime Information Center and the Social Security Administration.
Virginia - A bill has been introduced to prohibit the licensing of illegal
immigrants.
Washington - Legislation is being considered to improve the security
of driver's licenses by verifying the citizenship or legal residence of
applicants for driver's licenses in Washington and verifying the Social
Security numbers of applicants for driver's licenses in Washington.
Other states are tightening the license application process administratively
where the legislature previously has given discretionary authority to the
state department of motor vehicles. For example, Wisconsin no longer is
accepting the INS I-94 form in lieu of a Social Security number, and New
York is requiring Social Security cards be presented at the time of renewal
or application.
Colorado and Georgia are considering bills that would allow illegal
immigrants to apply for a driver's license.
September 11 License Plate Bills
| State |
Description of bills |
| Connecticut (SB 102) |
Requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to issue a "United
We Stand" license plate. Fifty percent of the fees collected must be deposited
in a "United We Stand" account to provide financial support to former spouses
and dependents of people killed on September 11 and to reimburse the cost
of plate production. The remaining 50 percent must be distributed to the
Rewards for Justice Fund. |
| Florida (SB 94) |
Enacted in November 2001. Provides for the issuance and
collection of $25 for a "United We Stand" license plate. After start-up
costs are recovered, 50% of the annual fee must be distributed to the Department
of Transportation to fund grant programs to enhance security at airports.
The remaining 50 percent of the fees must be distributed to the Rewards
for Justice Fund. |
| Illinois (SB 1531) |
Provides for the issuance of a September 11 license plate
for a fee of $40 at issuance and $27 at renewal; $25 of the issuance and
renewal fees must be deposited in the September 11 Fund, which provides
grants to local governments to help cover the cost of training and public
safety initiatives to prevent and respond to terrorism. |
| New Jersey (AB 1946) |
Provides for the issuance of a "United We Stand" license
plate for a $50 fee; $10 of the fee must be deposited into the Rewards
for Justice License Plate Fund, which distributes money into the Rewards
for Justice Fund. |
| South Carolina (HB 4652) |
Allows for the issuance of a "United We Stand" license plate
for a $25 fee in addition to the regular plate fee. Fees collected will
be placed into an account to defray costs of plate issuance; $25 of the
fee collected must be distributed to the Rewards for Justice Fund. Prior
to plate production, 400 or more people must prepay applications, or $4,000
must be deposited by an individual or organization. |
| Virginia (HB 89) |
Authorizes the issuance of a "United We Stand" license plate
for $25. After 1,000 plates have been issued, $15 of the $25 fee must be
paid to the Rewards for Justice Fund. |
last update: 4/3/02
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