Illegal immigrant driver's license

Politics - Illegal immigrant driver's license bill is back - sacbee.com:
"Illegal immigrant driver's license bill is back
Assembly passes plan that's dependent on federal rules, funding
By Aurelio Rojas -- Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 12:01 am PDT Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Story appeared on Page A3 of The Bee

Legislation to allow illegal immigrants in California apply for driver's licenses was resurrected Monday in a weakened version that's contingent on federal funding.
Senate Bill 1162 by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, was approved by Democrats in the Assembly on a 42-34 vote, a week after Democrats derailed its precursor, fearing a voter backlash in November.
The emotionally charged measure still requires confirmation by the state Senate, which passed an earlier version, SB 1160. It also faces a likely veto by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who vetoed similar legislation last year.
Unlike SB 1160, the amended legislation does not require state funding. It would be implemented only after the state receives funding from the federal Real ID Act of 2005, which requires every state to issue licenses that comply with a national standard.
The law, passed in response to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, allows states to provide driving-only licenses to illegal immigrants.
But those licenses must have a distinguishing color or mark, a provision that Cedillo -- who has waged an unsuccessful eight-year battle to obtain licenses for illegal immigrants -- once resisted.
Under SB 1162, license applicants would have to undergo a background check and would be barred from obtaining a license if they have been convicted of any public offense, other than driving without a license, or other federal crimes.

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