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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 2, 2015 03:00 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Mark B. Cohen |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Driver Licensing Reform for Undocumented Pennsylvanians |
| In the near future, I will be reintroducing legislation (HB 1648) that would provide for driver licensing reform for undocumented Pennsylvanians. Under my bill, people who do not have a Social Security number would be able to submit a federal tax identification number or a combination of documents, including a valid foreign passport, consular identification, or certified record of the individual’s birth, marriage, adoption or divorce, to establish name, date of birth, and place of birth when applying for a Pennsylvania driver’s license. Like in many other states, undocumented Pennsylvanians contribute positively and critically to our state, namely in our agricultural, cultural, and small business sectors. However, these community members make these and many other contributions without equal protections and basic rights for their families, such as the ability to safely travel for purposes of accessing education, employment, and commerce. This situation leaves many undocumented residents easily exploitable, isolated and marginalized. Driver’s licenses for undocumented Pennsylvanians is a step towards residents being able to travel safely, provide for their families and live a dignified existence in our state. This initiative to provide driver licensing for undocumented individuals is a public safety measure. Requiring all Pennsylvania drivers to pass a driver’s test will reduce accidents, make roads safer, and protect all Pennsylvanians from preventable injury and financial loss. Individuals with valid identification and a drivers license will be more inclined to cooperate with law enforcement by reporting accidents or helping to solve crimes. This legislation is currently backed by the Fight for Drivers Licenses Pennsylvania founded by my constituent Maria Serna, http://l.facebook.com/l/EAQE3wD1zAQGRXodMJi65LkpeAnIYR0UKRINb2UTIPNZFwg/Juntos.org, Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition, Migrant Power Movement of Pennsylvania, The New Sanctuary Movement and American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, among others. I invite your co-sponsorship of licensing reform for undocumented persons. If you have any questions about this legislation, please contact Kathy Seidl of my office at 7-4117 or kseidl@pahouse.net. Thank you |
Introduced as HB1450