The House this evening approved a measure that would repeal the state law allowing immigrants to get drivers licenses. The vote was 42-28, and came after two days of debate on the issue.
The measure by Rep. Andy Nunez, I-Hatch, now goes to the Senate for consideration. The Senate Public Affairs Committee this week shelved a similar measure, so the fate of the bill is uncertain.
Gov. Susana Martinez, who made the issue a staple of her campaign for governor, applauded the move.
"Today, the will of the people of New Mexico was heard in the House of Representatives," she said in a statement. "Despite numerous procedural schemes to defend the status quo, a broad coalition of Republicans, Democrats, and the House’s lone Independent came together to stand with an overwhelming majority of New Mexicans who want to see the dangerous practice of issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants overturned. I hope the Senate will also listen to the people of New Mexico and give this bill an up-or-down vote."
Read more about the debate in tomorrow's New Mexican.
Here's a copy of the vote, sure to be used in political campaigns next year and beyond:
HB0078HVOTE
No comments:
Post a Comment