TALLAHASSEE, FL — FWD.us Florida State Director Ted Hutchinson released the following statement today on the introduction of SB 1358 (“Driver Licenses and Identification Cards”) in the Florida Senate by Senator Jose Javier Rodriguez and HR 969 (“Driver Licenses”) in the Florida House of Representatives by Representative Dotie Joseph. This legislation would create a process for all Florida residents to earn a driver’s license, regardless of immigration status:

“Creating a process for all Florida residents to earn a driver’s license would be a major step forward for millions of hardworking Florida families, while boosting public safety and helping 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.

“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 Senator Rodriguez and Representative Joseph 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.”