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Montana committee tables bill to create driver’s privilege card for lawfully present noncitizens after lengthy hearing
Summary
Supporters said a two‑year driver’s privilege card would improve safety and employment access for lawfully present residents; opponents warned it duplicates existing DMV processes and raised verification concerns. The Senate Judiciary committee adopted a sponsor edit but ultimately tabled HB 275 for further work.
Representative (and sponsor) Ed Staffman introduced House Bill 275 as a measure to create a limited driver’s privilege card for people who are lawfully present in the United States but ineligible for a full Montana driver’s license. Staffman said the card “authorizes a person to drive but has no other privileges” and stressed the proposal uses strict proof-of-presence documents and a maximum two-year validity so the card cannot be used for voting, international travel or other federal purposes.
The hearing drew broad public support from immigrant-rights groups, business associations and…
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