UpdatedWed, Apr 7, 2021 at 9:08 am ET
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Driving through downtown Providence. The Rhode Island Senate is considering a bill that would create an alternative ID driver s license for undocumented immigrants. (Mary Serreze/Patch)
PROVIDENCE Should people who are not U.S. citizens and in the country illegally be allowed to obtain a Rhode Island driver s license or a government ID that lets them buy a drink at the bar?
Two Providence County lawmakers say yes, and their proposed legislation will be before the state Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
A measure sponsored by Sen. Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, North Providence) would create an alternative ID driver s license available to undocumented immigrants. A companion bill by Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) would allow the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue state ID cards to persons unable to establish lawful presence in the U.S. upon proof of residency and tax ID number.