Supporters of immigrant driver's licenses ramp up campaign, but opposition remains

Supporters of a bill to grant driving privileges to immigrants living in the state illegally gave the Minnesota House transportation committee a rare standing-room-only audience and almost an hour of tearful testimony Wednesday.

But the bill’s prospects remain murky. The proposal, which stalled in three recent legislative sessions, enjoys unprecedented Republican backing in the House and a stronger show of support from law enforcement. A version passed in the Senate transportation committee last week.

The proposal still faces opposition from legislators who say the licenses could enable voter fraud and would reward those who have broken the country’s immigration laws. The transportation committee’s hearing was information-only, and no vote has been slated. Speaker Kurt Daudt, who’d have to clear the bill for a vote in the House, said Wednesday he does not support it.

http://www.startribune.com/politics/statelocal/297591581.html