Debate boiling on driver's license bill

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Supporters say the third time is the charm for repealing the law that gives driver's licenses to illegal immigrants.

But opponents are once again pushing back hard as the law is once again in the spotlight at the roundhouse,

After more than three hours Thursday afternoon, the debate continued into the evening.

But the repeal bill in its current form is expected to die on a party line vote.

Democrats outnumber Republicans on the House committee 5 to 4.

It was a jam-packed room as dozens of people argued for and against the bill.

Independent Rep. Andy Nuñez of Hatch is sponsoring the governor's measure for the third time.

His bill would allow only noncitizens who are in the country legally--with a work or student visa--to get drivers licenses.

Opponents say an all-out repeal would be devastating to thousands of New Mexico's immigrant families although they concede the current law needs to be strengthened.

They've have an alternative proposal that would still allow illegal immigrants to get licenses but calls for more frequent license renewals, harsher penalties for fraud, and other strict guidelines.

"Overall 97 percent of the individuals on the driver's licenses program have been very responsible," Rep. Miguel Garcia, D-Albuquerque, said.

If the amended version passes, the bill sponsor says he will try to change the bill back to its original version once it reaches the House floor.

"To me, it's real important we get it out on the floor so the people of the state of New Mexico can see who voted for it, who voted against it because over 70 percent of the people want this bill to get through," Nuñez said.

Nuñez says he has enough votes to get the bill passed in its original version especially because it's an election year.

Nunez's bill did pass the House last year but died in the Senate.

New Mexico has given nearly 90,000 licenses to people without Social Security numbers including illegal immigrants since the law passed in 2003.