Massachusetts Senate Oks Immigrant Driver's License Bill; Governor Vetoes; Override Expected

The Massachusetts Senate approved a bill on May 2, 2022 that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain state driver’s licenses, moving the proposed change one step closer to becoming law. If passed into law, Massachusetts would join 16 other states, and the District of Columbia, that already have similar laws.

The bill was approved 32-8 in the Democratic-controlled chamber. That is enough to override a possible veto from Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, who has expressed opposition to similar efforts in the past. The bill passed by the Senate is nearly identical to the version that previously passed the House of Representatives this year.   Governor Baker vetoed the bill on May 27, 2022.   The bill previously passed in both the House and Senate by a wide enough margin to overcome the governor’s veto.  It will be up to the House to initiate a veto override, with a two thirds majority vote required in each branch to make the bill law. 

Under the bill, expanded access to standard driver's license would begin on July 1, 2023. Applicants under the bill would need to provide proof of their identity, date of birth and residency in Massachusetts.

Governor Baker vetoed the law.  It passed with veto-proof majorities in both houses.  An override is expected in the next few weeks.