PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Gov. Lincoln Chafee says other states have passed legislation allowing immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses regardless of their legal status, and Rhode Island should too.
The Democrat says he backs a bill introduced by Sen. Frank Ciccone (chih-CONE’) that would create a “driving privilege license” for those who otherwise meet normal licensing requirements but aren’t in the U.S. legally.
The license would look different than a standard license. It wouldn’t serve as a valid form of ID for federal or state purposes.
Chafee says in a statement the bill has “broad support” from the Democratic candidates for governor. He is not seeking re-election.
Companion legislation has been introduced in the House.
A different version of the bill introduced by Ciccone last year did not go to a vote.
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