BOSTON — The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed H.4461 An Act relative to work and family mobility, filed by Representatives Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield) and Christine Barber (D-Somerville), enabling all Massachusetts residents to apply for a Standard driver's license regardless of immigration status.

 

An issue worked on by advocates for 18 years, Representative Farley-Bouvier made it her number one priority. 

 

"I am deeply appreciative for the bold leadership of Speaker Mariano who is the first House leader to take up a major immigration bill in over two decades," said Representative Farley-Bouvier. "Together with the inspiring work of the Driving Families Forward coalition, the House Progresive Caucus, and the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, we were able to get to this milestone in passing this commonsense bill."

 

The bill allows all Massachusetts residents to apply for a standard driver's license, regardless of federal immigration status. To apply for a standard driver's licenses, applicants must provide proof of identity and proof of residency in Massachusetts. 

 

"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make Massachusetts roads safer and more accessible for all, ensuring all drivers have the same safety training, standardized identification, and insurance." continued Farley-Bouvier.

 

The standard Massachusetts driver's license is different from the REAL ID and does not allow license holders to fly or to access federal buildings, per REAL ID federal guidelines. 

 

Massachusetts would not be the first state to implement this policy. 16 other states, plus the 

 

District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have all implemented the policy to allow all residents to receive driver's licenses regardless of immigration status. Neighboring Connecticut, New York and Vermont all have this policy in place.

 

"The Work and Family Mobility Act is a step towards making Massachusetts a more equitable and supportive home for all. Immigrants without federal status are integral members of our local communities and our larger Commonwealth; they are your neighbors, they work in your downtowns, their children go to school with your children, they get their medicine at the same pharmacy as you, but doing these same actions you do is made even more difficult and fearsome while they drive without proper driving credentials" Farley-Bouvier further added.

 

The passage of this bill will be a revenue gain for the commonwealth with over $5 million per year in RMV fees and taxes according to Mass Budget and policy. And it will help all drivers as with a larger pool of insured drivers, rates will decrease. It also protects any driver from the particularly unfortunate experience of getting in a collision with an uninsured driver.       

 

"This bill is good for all of us," said Farley-Bouvier. "Every driver, you or anyone in your family, is safer when all drivers are trained, licensed and insured.  

 

The bill is now headed to be voted on in the Senate.