11/29/05-Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that sought to allow illegal immigrants in California to obtain a license that could be used only for driving.
SB60, sponsored by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, called for creating special driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants that look different than regular licenses. The immigrant version would not be valid for identification or purposes other than driving.
In his veto message, Schwarzenegger said the effort “is premature and could undermine national security efforts to identify individuals who pose enormous risk to the safety of Californians.”
Schwarzenegger, who vetoed a similar bill a year ago, said all along he would reject any driver’s license legislation sent to him before the federal government issues new guidelines intended to prevent terrorists from gaining access to state-issued licenses. Those regulations are expected next year.
The governor said “once the federal rule making is finalized, it would be appropriate to engage in discussions relating to implementation of the act, including whether or not a driving only certificate is appropriate” in the state.

9/9/05-Lawmakers approved a bill Sept. 7 that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain a license that could be used only for driving.
The bill now heads to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk, who is expected to veto the effort.
SB60, sponsored by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, would create special driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants that look different than regular licenses. The immigrant version would not be valid for identification or purposes other than driving.
Schwarzenegger, who vetoed a similar bill a year ago, has said he would reject any driver’s license legislation sent to him before the federal government issues new guidelines intended to prevent terrorists from gaining access to state-issued licenses. Those regulations are expected next year.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

6/28/05-The Assembly Transportation Committee voted 7-5 June 27 to approve a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain a license that could be used only for driving.
SB60, which previously passed the Senate, now moves to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. If approved there, it would head to the full Assembly.
Sponsored by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, the bill would bring California in line with federal law and would create a two-tiered licensing system. The REAL ID Act, signed by President Bush in May, requires states to verify that people who apply for driver’s licenses are in the country legally.
The federal act also allows states to choose whether to issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants as long as they look different than regular licenses. They also must clearly state that the license cannot be used for federal identification purposes, such as passing through airport security or entering federal buildings.
Cedillo’s bill would repeal an existing state law requiring that applicants provide proof of legal residence to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In exchange, California would be allowed to issue licenses to illegal immigrants under the new federal guidelines.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

6/22/05-The Senate has approved a bill that would allow illegal immigrants to obtain a license that could be used only for driving.
SB60, sponsored by Sen. Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles, would bring California in line with federal law and would create a two-tiered licensing system. The REAL ID Act, signed by President Bush in May, requires states to verify that people who apply for a driver’s license are in the country legally.
The federal act also allows states to choose whether to issue driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants as long as they look different than regular licenses. They also must clearly state that the license cannot be used for federal identification purposes, such as passing through airport security or entering federal buildings.
Cedillo’s bill would repeal an existing state law requiring that applicants provide proof of legal residence to the Department of Motor Vehicles. In exchange, California would be allowed to issue licenses to illegal immigrants under the new federal guidelines.
The measure has been sent to the Assembly for further consideration. For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.