SACRAMENTO, CA - Today, the California Latino Legislative Caucus sent a letter to the Director of the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) urging an expedited implementation of Assembly Bill 60 which was signed into law last year. AB 60, which allows for the issuance of driver’s licenses to undocumented residents, was authored by Assembly Member Luis Alejo (D – Salinas) and co-authored by members of the Latino Caucus. Passage of the bill was a top priority of the Caucus.
“AB 60 will make our roads safer by requiring all new drivers to be properly trained, licensed and insured,” stated Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Huntington Park/ Long Beach), Chair of the Latino Caucus. “I look forward to working with the DMV to accelerate the process for making these long sought after changes in law a reality.”
“I authored AB 60 because under the current system many hardworking families suffer the cost and indignity of tickets, court fees and car impoundments due to their immigration status,” said Assembly Member Alejo, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Caucus. “It is crucial that we work to ensure that implementation of the bill happens in a timely and efficient manner. In order to accomplish this, we must work with the DMV and immigrant rights groups to educate our communities and make sure that all individuals are prepared to take the written test, the driving test, and ultimately get a driver’s license.”
Since 2001, members of the Latino Caucus authored and fought for legislation that would allow for the issuance of driver’s licenses to the undocumented immigrant community. Last year, AB 60 advanced through the legislative process with a broad coalition of support including advocacy groups, labor and law enforcement. It was signed into law by Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. on October 3, 2013. The legislation calls for implementation of its provisions by January 1, 2015 or an earlier date as determined by the Director of the DMV.
A copy of the Caucus’ letter to the DMV Director is listed below.
