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Committee hears bill to bar recognition of certain out‑of‑state driver credentials
Summary
Rep. Tracy Sharp told the Judiciary Committee HB 469 would make Montana decline recognition of some out‑of‑state credentials issued to persons who cannot attest to lawful presence; DMV administrator attended as informational witness and sponsors signaled willingness to coordinate with related transportation bills.
Representative Tracy Sharp introduced House Bill 469, saying the bill would direct Montana not to recognize certain out‑of‑state driver credentials for individuals who cannot attest to lawful presence. "This bill says, don't come to Montana if you are not in The United States legally," Sharp said, stressing a desire to align state practice with what some other states have done and to signal that Montana will not accept those documents for state purposes.
Sharp said the Department of Motor Vehicles supports the proposal and the fiscal note indicates the measure can be implemented at no additional cost to the state. Lori Bakri, MVD Administrator, appeared as an informational witness to answer technical questions about current license requirements.
Committee members asked about interaction with other legislative efforts, such as proposals for driver's privilege cards that would provide limited credentials to certain immigrants in process. Representative Staffman described a companion transportation bill to issue a driver privilege card for persons lawfully present but ineligible for a standard license; Sharp said she would be open to harmonizing provisions where appropriate.
Sharp closed by urging a do‑pass recommendation; the transcript records no committee vote on HB 469 during this hearing.
