Massachusetts

Mass. Legislature Overrides Gov. Baker's Driver's License Bill Veto

Supporters call the bill historic and say it will allow tens of thousands of people to drive to work and school legally, but Gov. Charlie Baker suggested it could lead to illegal voting

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The Massachusetts Senate voted Thursday to override Gov. Charlie Baker's veto of a bill that would allow immigrants without legal status the right to obtain a driver's license.

The bill was approved Wednesday by the Massachusetts House over Gov. Baker's veto, and Thursday's 32-8 vote from the Senate made the override official.

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The bill won't go into effect until July 2023.

Supporters call it historic and say it will allow tens of thousands of people to drive to work and school legally.

“In order to get an application driver’s license as a non-status person, you’ll need either a passport or letter of nationality from your country of origin," said Speaker of the House Ron Mariano, D-Quincy.

Supporters of the legislation call it historic and it will allow tens of thousands of people to get around legally.

Supporters had camped out in front of the State House overnight on Thursday in anticipation of the Senate vote.

Critics of the legislation, including Gov. Baker have suggested that the bill could lead to illegal voting.

“I can see someone who is lying about who they are, now having a Massachusetts license that shows they’re somebody else," said Rep. Steven Xiarhos, R-Barnstable.

The State House News Service contributed to this report.

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