By Bob Katzen
A bill that would give immigrants the right to apply for the standard Massachusetts driver’s license is among the thousands of proposals filed for consideration in the 2019-2020 session. Co-sponsors Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) and Reps. Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield) and Christine Barber (D-Somerville) say the measure would improve public safety and potentially increase state revenue by giving all qualified immigrants the right to apply for a driver’s license.
“This is a straight-forward issue with a common-sense solution,” said Crighton. “These immigrants are our neighbors, our constituents. I can’t imagine the fear they face every time they need to get in a car. It’s time Massachusetts join the 12 other states that have already passed this humane and common-sense law.”
“[The bill] is simply good public policy,” said Farley-Bouvier. “Think about it: If you get in an accident, don’t you want the other driver to have car insurance? This bill is about public safety, our economy and protecting our immigrant friends and neighbors. This is more than a bill—it’s part of a movement to fix our broken immigration system.”