Bill would provide citizenship status on Idaho driver's licenses

BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A bill proposed in the Idaho legislature would add whether someone obtaining a driver's license is a citizen or not.

The sponsor of the bill says this is an effort to make it easier to vote in elections.

"We want to make it easier for citizens when they need to have proof of citizenship," said Rep. Brandon Mitchell, bill's sponsor.

Mitchell said during the hearing that those with green cards or those who are undocumented wouldn't be able to get the sticker on their driver's license. During the committee hearing, Rep. Ilana Rubel questioned Mitchell on who would have access to drivers' licenses. "My understanding is that currently, green card holders can get drivers' licenses, but it looks like they wouldn't be able to under this bill, did I read that right?" she said.

Mitchell responded by saying those with green cards will still be able to get a drivers' license, however, they won't be able to get the U.S. citizenship designation on the license.

He also stated the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) development cost for this bill would be $24,000.

Other bills proposed at Wednesday's Transportation & Defense Committee hearing include a vehicle registration sticker bill and a bill extending the commercial learner's permit from six months to a year.

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