KZG’s Jeannine LaRue & Beth Dohm Help to Secure Passage of Legislation Expanding Access to Driver’s Licenses
On December 19th, Governor Phil Murphy signed A4743/S3229 into law, expanding access to driver’s licenses in New Jersey. The new law creates two types of driver’s licenses for New Jersey residents. The standard license compliant with federal Real ID standards will be available to citizens and a second standard license will be available to residents regardless of immigration status. The new driver’s licenses will strengthen New Jersey’s immigrant community and make roads safer throughout the state.
On behalf of our client, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, KZG’s Jeannine LaRue and Beth Dohm provided strategic advice and helped coordinate legislative efforts that ensured passage and enactment of A4743/S3229. This bill was sponsored in the Assembly by Annette Quijano (D-20), Raj Mukherji (D-33), Gary Schaer (D-36), Gordon M. Johnson (D-36), Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-37), Joe Danielsen (D-17) and in the Senate by Joseph Vitale (D-19), Joseph Cryan (D-20), M. Teresa Ruiz (D-29), Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-5), Nellie Pou (D-35), Nia Gill (D-34).
When signing the bill, Governor Murphy stated, “Today is a simple recognition that our immigrant communities are a vital part of our state and our economy.”
Increasing the number of licensed drivers on roads has been shown to improve safety. All license holders will go through the same testing and training requirements that the state already has in place for licensure including the requirement to obtain auto insurance.
The law will take effect in January 2021. New Jersey becomes the 15th state to enact an expansion of driver’s licenses joining a national trend to embrace all immigrant communities. Other states with similar laws include California, Connecticut, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Illinois, Vermont, Maryland, Delaware, Hawaii, Oregon, and New York.
Bill sponsor, Assemblywoman Anette Quijano commended the signing of the bill saying, “It’s necessary to acknowledge the profound impact that we’re going to have and achieve when we can focus on shared prosperity that aligns the needs of all of our communities that reside in New Jersey.”
