JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - A bill that would link the duration of a non-citizens’ driver’s license to their authorized length of stay has passed the Legislature.
The Senate voted 13-4 to pass HB1 from Rep. Bob Lynn. HB1 passed the House last year.
The bill requires the Division of Motor Vehicles issue licenses tied to the length of a person’s authorized stay if they’re permitted in the U.S. for less than five years. If someone’s authorized stay is indefinite, a license valid for one year would be issued, with renewal options.
Sen. Fred Dyson said a driver’s license is a common form of ID, and Lynn didn’t want licenses used beyond the term of a person’s visa.
Sen. Bill Wielechowski said the bill will turn the division into an extension of federal immigration authorities.
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