Legislation Would Support Florida’s Families by Boosting Public Safety and Spurring Economic Growth

TALLAHASSEE, FL — FWD.us Florida State Director Ted Hutchinson released the following statement today on the introduction of HB1451 (“Driver Licenses and Identification Cards”) in the Florida House by Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith and its companion bill SB 1856, in the Florida Senate by Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez. This legislation would create a process for all Florida residents to earn a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status:

“States across the country, like New York and Colorado, have passed legislation to allow or expand access for everyone of age across these states to have the ability to earn a driver’s license. Florida should follow this lead which would boost public safety and help to grow our state’s economy. These individuals should be required to follow the same process as other Floridians to earn a license, including taking a pre-licensing or driver education course and passing a road test.

“This legislation is about support and empowering millions of families across Florida. Ensuring that all Floridians can obtain a license and insurance to drive – regardless of their immigration status – will help more individuals travel more easily to their workplaces, take their kids to school, and seek medical attention for their loved ones in an emergency. We are grateful to Rep. Guillermo Smith and Senator Rodriguez for their leadership to keep Florida families safe. This commonsense legislation is good for our economy, and keeps every Floridian safer on the road – and we urge their colleagues to move this bill forward in a bipartisan way.”