Oklahoma Lawmaker to propose bill for driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants

Blueyellowgray · 02-02-2017, 11:44 PM

http://www.koco.com/article/lawmaker...censes/8660999

Quote:

OKLAHOMA CITY —
A newly elected Oklahoma lawmaker is pushing through one of his first bills this legislative session, but it’s likely to get some pushback from the majority Republican House.

Rep. Monroe Nichols, of Tulsa, is the author of House Bill 1258, which would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses without fear of being turned over to federal authorities.

“It’s about a public safety issue … that those on the highways know the rules of the road,” he said.

As Nichols sees it, unlicensed immigrants are already driving on Oklahoma highways without any formal education on how to do so safely.

“Folks are here. They are driving,” he said.

He’s ready for pushback but thinks it’s important other lawmakers see the reality of what Oklahoma is facing.

“This building is about finding really good solutions for Oklahoma if we separate ourselves from the myths,” Nichols said.

The proposed bill will likely be heard before the Public Safety Committee. Rep. Bobby Cleveland is the chair.

“I do not believe that someone who’s here illegally in this county should get a driver’s license, no,” he said.

In a time when federal authorities are vetting borders, Cleveland thinks this is not the time for this bill.

“What this bill does is make this state a sanctuary state, and I’m opposed to that,” he said, adding he would never vote for this bill.

Nichols said the bill would bring up possible benefits to the state, including having more people paying for auto insurance and registering their vehicles. He said other states have passed similar bills successfully.

“We have to separate myth and fears away from facts and safety,” Nichols said. “This is a fact and safety issue.”

He will have to make his case for this bill in a few weeks.

Blueyellowgray · 02-02-2017, 11:48 PM

I don't know if there are any others living in Oklahoma on here, but I thought this was a little uplifting to hear that there are still those thinking about us even in a solid red state like Oklahoma, especially in this political climate. I doubt that this will even have a chance at passing in the Oklahoma legislature but it was refreshing to hear some positive news for once.

Pianoswithoutfaith · 02-02-2017, 11:48 PM

I wonder if passed and signed would TSA accept it

Got_Daca · 02-03-2017, 12:04 AM

It would not be OK to fly, no puns

tf2legend · 02-03-2017, 02:40 AM

Oklahoma??

Future accountant · 02-03-2017, 06:14 AM

A bill was introduced in ny as well

JohannBernoulli1667 · 02-03-2017, 08:48 AM

The fear I have is that DHS can tap into these state data bases for deportation purposes. I my self am weary of what will happen to people.in states that have these licenses. Illinois and California are an example.

2MoreYears · 02-03-2017, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianoswithoutfaith

I wonder if passed and signed would TSA accept it

If passed, they will most likely add a legend stating "federal limits apply", just how it's done in CA. If so, chances are high TSA will not honor it.

https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/f...60_4_27_15.pdf

fl_dreamer · 02-03-2017, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianoswithoutfaith

I wonder if passed and signed would TSA accept it

TSA already has real ID act signs at airports so highly doubt it.

IamAman · 02-03-2017, 01:59 PM

I am surprised...

They need you!

Forum links

Resources

Join our list

National calendar of events

June

Oklahoma Lawmaker to propose bill for driver’s licenses for undocumented immigrants