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History
- Referred to transportation
- Referred to transportation
Full text
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Title of bill
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to requirements for applications for a driver's license
Purpose
Relates to specifying requirements for applications for a driver's license and non-driver identification card.
Summary of provisions
Section one of subdivision 1 of section 502 of the vehicle and traffic law amends Chapter 639 by adding new paragraphs (a), (b), and (c). Section two of subparagraph (i) of paragraph (a) of subdivision 3 of section 490 of the vehicle and traffic law, is amended by chapter 235 to state that the commissioner shall require that an applicant for an identification card or renewal thereof provide, all of the verifiable identification documentation set forth in subdivision one of section five hundred two of this chapter. Section three states that the commissioner of motor vehicles shall certify compliance with the driver's license standards set forth in P.L. 109-13 to the Secretary of Homeland Security by March 1, 2009. Section four states that this act shall take effect immediately.
Justification
This legislation ensures that only citizens of the United States and legal residents receive a valid New York State Drivers License issued by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles. By implementing legislation requiring a social security number or proof of authorized presence in the United States to obtain a New York State driver's license, it helps guarantee the safety and security of all New Yorkers. A drivers license is the most important document issued in the establishment of one's identity and should not be considered an entitlement. Relaxing requirements endangers not only New Yorkers but all Americans, making it easier for terrorists and undocumented immigrants to obtain identification and access to services that, without a license, would be off limits. It is important to note that terrorists involved in the September 11, 2001 attacks used drivers licenses to obtain entry aboard the planes as well as to rent apartments. Drivers license were also used by terrorists to rent trucks used to carry out the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. Furthermore, the tragic events of September 11, 2001, taught us that we must be vigilant in order to keep our State and country safe. The simple precaution of requiring a Social Security Number to prove one's legal status in this country is a commonsense way of helping to prevent terrorists from obtaining one of the most routinely accepted forms of identification used in this country. New York State has a clear responsibility to ensure a very high standard to protect the people of this state.
Legislative mstory
2008: S.6479 - Passed Senate/A.9054 - Referred to Transportation 2007: S.6479 - Referred to Rules/A.9054 - Referred to Transportation
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.