Eric Leonard
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2003

"It's my intention to sign a bill this year that allows hard working immigrants who contribute to our economy the opportunity to drive," Davis said at a recent appearance in a largely Hispanic neighborhood in East Los Angeles.

SB-60, proposed by Senator Gil Cedillo (D-Los Angeles), has passed key votes in committees and has been approved by the Senate. It would remove the requirement driver license applicants provide proof of legal residence in the United States, and would allow the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept, "any other identifier," instead of a social security card for proof of identity.

Davis' signature would mark an abrupt change in the Governor's position. Davis vetoed virtually identical bills twice in the last two years, citing concerns terrorists could use the more-lenient rules to obtain government-issued I-D cards.

In 2001, Davis wrote in his veto message, "the tragedy of September 11 made it abundantly clear that the driver's license is more than just a license to drive; it is one of the primary documents we use to identify ourselves.

Unfortunately, a driver's license was in the hands of terrorists who attacked America on that fateful day."

The new bill includes no provisions for criminal background checks of applicants, though Davis had sought such a measure when considering the previous bills.

A Davis spokesman said the Governor plans to sign this year's bill provided some changes are made. He declined to discuss specifics, but said the concerns were centered on public safety issues.

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