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2/28/2019
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Sen. Ciccone holds press conference on bill allowing DMV driving privileges to undocumented residents
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 STATE HOUSE – Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III held a press conference in the State Library of the State House on Feb. 28 concerning legislation (2019-S 0153) he sponsored that would allow the Department of Motor Vehicles (RIDMV) to issue driving privilege licenses and permits to applicants unable to establish lawful presence in the United States. The press conference was held with Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence), sponsor of the companion legislation (2019-H 5511) in the House of Representatives, and the Immigrant Coalition, which includes over 30 community, advocacy and religious organizations, and works on a range of issues that are vital to the well-being of our immigrant neighbors.
“We need to ensure that all drivers, regardless of their immigration status, are trained, tested and insured when driving on our roads,” said Senator Ciccone (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence). “This is a safety issue as well as an economic issue. If the worst was to happen and an accident occurs involving an undocumented person driving, our residents and businesses are protected far better if this legislation is enacted as opposed to the current status quo.”
Currently, those unable to establish a lawful presence in the U.S. are unable to produce the documentation, such as a Social Security number, that state law requires for the issuing of a driver’s license. The new legislation would still require certain documentation, such as a foreign birth certificate, or other legal documents in order to issue the driving privilege license or permit. Also, neither the permit nor license would be usable for federal or state identification purposes.
The press conference included multiple speakers from the Immigrant Coalition emphasizing why such legislation is needed to protect all drivers on the road and the immigrant community.
Senator Ciccone’s bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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