DENVER – A Colorado House committee on Wednesday advanced legislation that would expand an immigrant driver’s license program.
The bill comes after Republicans last year blocked a request to keep five offices open. After negotiations, it was agreed upon to provide funding allowing for three offices.
But supporters of the driver’s license program say more needs to be done.
The bill would add six additional offices to issue driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants, beginning in March 2017.
Sponsors say the bill would eventually pay for itself through fees assessed on applicants, though critics of the bill are skeptical.
The measure passed the Democratic-controlled House Finance Committee 6-5. It now heads to House Appropriations. The bill earlier passed the House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee 5-4.
“The primary reason I brought this bill is not on issues related to immigration, but on a very selfish issue, and that’s that I need to know when I get on the road that other people know the rules of the road,” said Rep. Jonathan Singer, D-Longmont.
Applicants have reported long wait times – sometimes as long as two years – to make an appointment to receive a license.
The then-Democratic-controlled Legislature in 2013 passed the law, which authorized the driver’s license program. At the time, lawmakers had planned for at least 15 offices to serve undocumented drivers.
As a result of the long wait times and lack of offices, reports have surfaced of people illegally selling appointments in an effort to exploit the backlog.
Part of the problem is that the Department of Revenue underestimated demand.
While critics of the program argue that it endorses illegal immigration, supporters highlight safety issues, pointing out that the program ensures that all drivers know the rules of the road and carry insurance.
Singer said that without the expansion, the state is “hurting public safety, hurting insurance rates and creating a hazard on the roads.”
But Rep. Kit Roupe, R-Colorado Springs, worried that the state can’t afford to expand the program.
“I’m really struggling with this. ...” Roupe said.
“Six additional offices? I’m having a really hard time with that... I’d like to know how that’s going to be paid.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
