Human Rights Commission Meeting Date: March 14, 2019
To: Human Rights Commissioners
From: Ben Martig, City Administrator
Title
Discussion with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero and consideration of support for Driving Licenses for All intiative.
Body
Action Requested:
Chair Valdecantos is suggesting a motion by the Human Rights Commission to recommend support for the Driving Licenses for All effort.
Summary Report:
Chair Valdecantos invited the new Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. The Commissioner has been one of the testifiers in the ongoing hearings in support of the driving licenses campaign at the Minnesota House. Additionally, to share her vision for the Department of Human Rights.
Additional information from Chair Valdecantos on Driving Licenses for All:
Attached is information related to the Driving Licenses for All I am attaching two documents. One is an article in the Pioneer Press that has background information on the history of what we have drivers without licenses in Minnesota and the Immigrant Law Center Fact Sheet where it showcases what will happen if all drivers without licenses would have them back.
Timeline: Everybody in Minnesota, independently of their immigration status were able to have a driving license. All of it went away as a result of a push for increase security following the 9 11 attacks. Governor Ventura started to explore this and it was implemented by Governor Pawlenty as an executive order in 2003. The order took effect in 2008 and since then the estimated 95,000 undocumented Minnesotans cannot renew or have new licenses. The Real ID has opened up the possibility to have a standard driving license not for air travel nor for federal use. So far the bill, HF1500 is going quickly through several Minnesota House committees. There is no author yet in the Senate for a similar bill.
In the several hearings we´ve attended in St. Paul, the Commissioner of the Department of Human Rights testified in favor of the driving licenses for all. She is from New Mexico and cited how in New Mexico, after a similar law was approved there was an increase statewide of car insurance holders of 24%.
There are 12 states in the country that allow undocumented people to have a driving license and several where different groups and legislators are working for these laws to allow driver licenses for all. You can find the information on the different states here: <http://www.ncsl.org/research/immigration/states-offering-driver-s-licenses-to-immigrants.aspx>
Chair Valdecantos is suggesting a motion of support by the Human Rights Commission and to present information on the issue to the City Council as well.
Alternative Options:
Not applicable.
Financial Impacts:
Not applicable.
Tentative Timelines:
March 19 City Council meeting - open comment would be available.
April 2nd - next regular council meeting for possible agenda request (presentation or other)