Subcommittee approves substitute to extend noncitizen driver‑document durations over objections
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Summary
The DMV subcommittee reported HB 9 11 as substituted (5–3), extending validity of certain driver‑privilege cards and temporary IDs to match standard licenses; sponsor and advocates said it reduces burdens and saves the DMV nearly $700,000 annually, while some members raised concerns about citizenship pathways.
Delegate Lopez presented a substitute to HB 9 11 that would align the validity periods of driver‑privilege cards and certain temporary DMV IDs with the durations of standard driver’s licenses. Lopez said the change reduces frequency of in‑person renewals for noncitizens, “saving the Commonwealth of Virginia money, to the tune of $700,000” and easing burdens on workers who cannot take time off to visit the DMV.
Delegate Austin raised concerns that extending renewals beyond the existing two‑year cycle could lessen incentives for recipients to pursue citizenship; Austin said she preferred people be on a “path to citizenship.” Commissioner Lackey of the DMV said the administration had no position on the bill but confirmed that “for a commercial driver's license, you are required to speak English,” and said amendments in the substitute address CDL‑related standards.
Supporters included John Cano, senior supervising organizer with the Legal Aid Justice Center, who said the bill advances “equal access to driving and valid identification for immigrants in Virginia” and cited statistics about immigrant participation in the workforce and economy. Other advocates from We Are Casa and the Virginia Coalition for Our Rights testified the bill would reduce administrative burdens and improve access.
A motion to report the bill with the substitute passed the subcommittee on a vote of 5 to 3. The substitute will be the vehicle for the bill as it moves forward.
