By Samantha Martinez, Idaho Reports
The Senate sent a bill that would grant driving authority for unauthorized immigrants back to the State Affairs Committee.
The move came without debate or objection. It isn’t yet clear if the Senate will take up the bill before the end of the session.
Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, introduced Senate Bill 1081, which would provide a restricted driver’s license for individuals who don’t have lawful presence in the United States.
In February, the Senate Transportation Committee sent the bill to the Senate floor without recommendation, with members saying they didn’t necessarily endorse the bill, but wanted to allow further debate on the matter.
Guthrie told the committee the license would help Idaho’s agriculture community, as many who work in agriculture are undocumented immigrants.
A similar bill passed the Senate in 2021 but was not granted a hearing in the House.
Samantha Martinez | Voces Internship of Idaho ’23
Samantha Martinez is a Boise State University student who was born in Mississippi and has lived all over the country, but considers Idaho home. She became interested in journalism because she has always loved writing and wanted to add to the growing number of Latinos in media. She is excited to be a credible source of truth and information for Idahoans, and looks forward to covering state affairs and education.