McKee signs bill to grant driving privileges to undocumented Rhode Islanders

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Gov. Dan McKee signed a measure Thursday that will allow undocumented residents to receive driving privilege cards.

The bill sponsors, Sen. Frank Ciccone and Rep. Karen Alzate, and the sponsor of a similar legislation in past years, Rep. Anastasia Williams, were on hand for the signing.

“By granting every Rhode Islander of driving age the opportunity to safely and legally drive a vehicle, we are allowing them to further their education and career — which in turn benefits the entire state,” said McKee.

Under the bill, undocumented Rhode Islanders will be able to apply for a driving card if they have personal income tax returns. They must provide two proof of identity documents.

The driving cards would not be permissible as a federal form of identification nor can be used for voting.

Legislators in Massachusetts passed a similar bill earlier this year after a veto override after Gov. Charlie Baker vetoed the measure.

The Rhode Island law takes effect on July 1.