MN House Passes 'Driver's Licenses For All' Bill

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota House of Representatives on Monday night passed a bill allowing people living in the United States illegally to receive state driver's licenses. The measure passed by a vote of 69-60.

The "driver’s licenses for all" bill ends the requirement to provide proof of citizenship or lawful presence in the country when applying for a Minnesota license.

The requirement dates back to 2003 when it was codified under Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Democrats now say the requirement is discriminatory. In 2019, the Democratic-Farmer-Labor-controlled House passed a bill repealing the requirement, but the measure stalled in the Republican-controlled Senate.

"At the end of this day this bill is a choice," Rep. Kurt Daudt, then the House minority leader, said in 2019.

"A choice to grant privileges to those who are choosing to break the laws of this country, and a choice to allow employers to look the other way on federal labor laws. It’s against the law in this country to enter the country without authorization. It’s against the law in this country to remain in this country if you don’t have authorization."

But in 2023, with the DFL currently controlling the Minnesota House, Senate, and governor's mansion, the "driver's licenses for all" legislation has good odds of becoming law this session.

Democrats say people should be allowed to access the state’s transportation system, regardless of immigration status.

"Minnesota needs to restore access for all residents of the state to drive regardless of immigration status," said Rep. María Isa Pérez-Vega, a co-author of the House bill, said when she introduced the bill earlier this month.

"Having the ability to obtain a driver’s license should be viewed as a human right and a necessity for all of our communities to be safe commuting and traveling on our roads. Parents, workers, students, and the many great folks who do so much to build our diverse economy deserve access to driving legally with a license."

Democrats estimate that there are around 81,000 immigrants in Minnesota illegally, and say the legislation would "increase safety and justice" by allowing everyone to travel openly after passing standard licensing exams and tests.

Rep. Frank Hornstein, House Transportation Finance and Policy committee chair said Minnesota roads and the state overall will be safer as a result of the legislation.

Republicans believe the bill will put more stress on the already overburdened Minnesota Driver and Vehicle Services department.

The bill appropriates about $2.9 million from the vehicle services operating account for fiscal years 2024-25 to the Department of Public Safety to implement the bill.

The legislation now goes to the Democratically-controlled state Senate.