Committee weighs aligning renewal period for Nevada driver authorization cards with standard licenses

Assemblywoman Cecilia Gonzalez (Assembly District 16) and Erica Castro of the Nevada Immigrant Coalition presented Assembly Bill 140 to the Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure, asking that driver authorization cards — the state credential issued to people who cannot meet standard identity documentation requirements — be renewed on the same schedule and fee structure as Nevada standard driver licenses.

"Our main goal with AB 140 is for DACs to have the same renewal process as our standard driver's licenses in Nevada," Castro said, clarifying the proposal does not change written or driving test requirements or the identity documentation required to obtain a DAC.

Sponsors and supporters described the change as largely administrative and focused on safety and equity. Tara Webster of Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada recounted the difference in renewals and DMV access, saying some DAC holders must appear in person more often and that the bill would reduce lost work time and DMV congestion. Cecilia Gonzalez told the committee the bill "is about safety and making sure that people are insured."

DMV and technical detail: Sean Severa of the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles testified the agency is neutral on AB 140. Severa said the bill produces a positive fiscal timing effect because of the concentration of renewals and that DAC holders presently face a more frequent renewal cycle; he also confirmed DAC holders are required to meet the same insurance and testing requirements as other drivers.

Support and public testimony: Dozens of community organizations and residents testified in support by phone and in person, citing reduced hardship and administrative burden for immigrant families, parents, and workers who need reliable access to transportation. Multiple community organizers and groups (Make the Road Nevada, Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada, Faith in Action Nevada, Native Voters Alliance and others) urged the committee to pass AB 140 to reduce confusion and lost work time caused by the current four‑year renewal schedule.

Opposition and concerns: Opponents said the measure weakens enforcement and improperly privileges noncitizens. Joshua Skaggs of the Nevada Republican Party said the party opposes the bill and argued DACs should remain distinct from full driver licenses; Janine Hanson of Nevada Families for Freedom urged the committee to oppose AB 140, saying the state should not make it "easier" for people who lack immigration authorization. Several callers on the phone line voiced similar enforcement and public‑safety concerns.

Clarification from sponsors and DMV: Sponsors repeatedly stated the bill does not grant legal status, does not change eligibility thresholds for DACs, and does not expand privileges (DAC holders cannot vote and remain ineligible for most public benefits). Severa of the DMV reiterated that DAC applicants must still provide required identification under current law and must comply with the same testing and insurance requirements.

Outcome and next steps: Committee testimony concluded with the DMV and sponsor remarks; no vote was recorded in the hearing transcript. Sponsors said they expect to continue outreach and that aligning renewal periods could ease DMV administration and reduce burdens for affected residents without changing eligibility or substantive legal status.