By Bob Katzen 

   Senate 13-25, rejected an amendment that would require applicants to provide specific proof of legal residence in order to register their cars. The accepted IDs include a driver’s license, Massachusetts identification card, social security number or other proof of legal residence issued by the state or the federal government. 

   Amendment supporters said this would prevent illegal immigrants and people who lose their driver’s license in other states for things like drunken driving from illegally registering their cars here. They argued that the Registry of Motor Vehicles has refused to enforce this law which is already on the books and is still allowing people to register their cars by just showing a utility bill. 

  Amendment opponents said allowing an illegal alien to own a vehicle in Massachusetts does not jeopardize the public’s safety. They argued the bill seems aimed at using the Registry of Motor Vehicles to identify and police undocumented people.  

   (A “Yes” vote is for requiring proof of legal residence. A “No” vote is against it.)

 Sen. Patricia Jehlen voted No