MN Governor Signs ‘Driver’s Licenses For All’ Bill Into Law
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - Governor Tim Walz today signed into law the "Driver's Licenses For All Bill."
The measure was among those put on the fast track after the Democrats won control of both the Minnesota House and Senate. It was approved in the House on a 69-60 boat and later cleared the State Senate by a vote of 34-31 following a marathon debate.
The new law erases residency requirement provisions that were put in place by Governor Tim Pawlenty two decades ago that prevented undocumented residents from obtaining driver's licenses. The Washington DC-based Migration Policy Institute estimates the change will allow more than 81,000 people now living in Minnesota to apply for and receive driver's licenses.
Proponents of the new law contend it will improve public safety by allowing currently unlicensed and uninsured drivers to be licensed and purchase insurance. Opponents cited election integrity concerns and argued the changes could provide a pathway for terrorists or wanted criminals to obtain government-issued IDs that could put the public at risk.
The new law is scheduled to take effect on October 1.