Panel approves bill on costs of illegals
HB239, sponsored by Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden, would revoke a 2005 law that allows individuals without Social Security numbers to still drive legally using the cards, and would make all existing cards expire at the end of this year. Utah currently requires a Social Security number to obtain a driver's license, according to the Driver License Division Web site.
The committee moved that bill to its Thursday meeting after Rep. Becky Lockhart, R-Provo, expressed concerns that it could also revoke the cards for legal residents who don't qualify for Social Security numbers, such as those with student visas.
Meanwhile, the committee gave a favorable recommendation to HB262, sponsored by Rep. Karen Morgan, D-Cottonwood Heights. Morgan brought back the bill aimed at evaluating the costs of illegal immigration and seeking federal reimbursement for those costs, with it amended so that the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel will do the study, instead of the Attorney General's Office.
"The piece of this that asks for the delineation, the accounting of those expenses, I think would be helpful," said Rep. Michael Morley, R-Spanish Fork. "Perhaps we can use that to our advantage as we appeal for our delegation."
However Rep. David Litvack, D-Salt Lake, expressed concern the study would assume illegal immigration is a net cost to the state, without taking into account any economic benefits.
After Tuesday's meeting Donnelson and Lockhart both expressed confidence that the concern would be addressed about ensuring all legal Utah residents would still be able to drive. Lockhart, who in 2005 was House sponsor of the bill that allowed undocumented immigrants to drive legally, without an official state ID, said she'd likely vote in favor of both Donnelson's bill and, would also consider supporting tightening up the cards.
"It's a difficult question to answer," Lockhart said. Pointing to the issue of uninsured drivers on one hand, and the issue of providing benefits to undocumented immigrants.
Critics of the driving privilege cards have said they've been used as IDs, which is against the original intent of providing undocumented immigrants with an ability to drive legally, with insurance, but not be used as identification.
Recent comments
No, you are not the only one, most of the legal citizens of this…
Nurse Ratchet | Feb. 1, 2008 at 12:57 a.m.
One Vote: Very good comments! Illegal immigration is destroying the…
The Raven | Jan. 30, 2008 at 9:55 a.m.
Any time state government can turn the issue back to the feds (billing…
OneVote | Jan. 30, 2008 at 8:07 a.m.
