HB 366, legislation designed to deny driver’s licenses to those without documentation that they’re legally in the United States, just passed the House on a 47-21 vote, despite concerns raised by some representatives that the bill is flawed, and actually would deny driver’s licenses to an array of people legally in the country to work under various visa programs or awaiting word on asylum applications. Rep. Leon Smith, R-Twin Falls, the bill’s floor sponsor, said, “I submit if their papers are good, they’ll get a driver’s license.” But Rep. Raul Labrador, R-Eagle, said the bill could create problems for many Idaho employers who need their employees who are here on foreign-worker visas to be able to drive. House Minority Leader Wendy Jaquet, D-Ketchum, moved to send the bill to the amending order to “fix this legislation,” but the motion failed on a divided voice vote.

Rep. Marv Hagedorn, R-Meridian, said, “I think this is a good bill – it’s not a perfect bill, but I’d rather pass a good bill than not pass any bill at all.” Rep. Phil Hart, R-Athol, said the measure would “increase the security of our state.” The bill now moves to the Senate.

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