Latest news with #ColoradoRoadandCommunitySafetyAct
CBS News
27-03-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
New state law makes it easier for undocumented people to obtain driver's license in Colorado
A new state law in Colorado will go into effect next week, minimizing requirements for undocumented people in the state to get a driver's license. Supporters say this new law will help keep Colorado roads safer. Preliminary data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that at least 30% of deadly crashes on Colorado roads in 2024 involved drivers with no valid license or no license at all. The Colorado Road and Community Safety Act takes effect March 31, giving tens of thousands the opportunity to drive legally. For Alma Baeza, the law brings relief. She's currently working toward legal residency, but what calms her anxiety is that she'll soon be able to drive her children around without fear. "I was always nervous that police would stop me," Baeza said in Spanish. Starting March 31, she and many others will no longer have to prove two years of residency or have an individual taxpayer identification number to apply for a license. Instead, they can use a passport or other form of foreign identification to apply for a license. The law is keeping at least one driving school busy. Maria Valdez, a senior driving instructor for American Driving Academy, says her office is already seeing a surge in calls from people seeking guidance. The school has locations in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, Pueblo, and Westminster. "Every 30 minutes, we have to turn people away because it's not March 31 yet," she said. Nineteen states, including Colorado , currently allow undocumented people to obtain a driver's license. Valdez says the process is the same for everyone, requiring both a written and driving test. In the past few years the American Driving Academy has seen an increase in Spanish speakers requesting classes, which is why they now also provide bilingual classes. "Don't be afraid of starting this process. It is a little bit lengthy, but it's a great opportunity," said Valdez. These licenses will look different from those issued to U.S. citizens, who will need a Real ID beginning in May.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
New law eases rules for immigrants to get driver's licenses, IDs in Colorado
DENVER (KDVR) — A new law goes into effect at the end of March that reduces the wait times and other requirements for immigrants to get United States driver's licenses and identification cards in Colorado. Senate Bill 24-182, 'Immigrant Identification Document Issuance,' made its way through the Senate in 2024 and was backed by democratic senators Julie Gonzalez, Jeff Bridges, Tim Hernández and Elizabeth Velasco. Bill would prohibit officers from asking drivers why they pulled them over The bill, approved by Gov. Jared Polis in June 2024, will allow the 'Colorado Road and Community Safety Act' to authorize driver's licenses or identification cards to people who aren't 'lawfully present' in the country if they meet certain requirements. The bill is going into effect on March 31, and starting at the end of the month, the bill said IDs can be given to people who sign an affidavit that they are currently a resident, present evidence of residency in Colorado and have an unexpired, or expired less than 10 years, passport, military ID or identification card from their origin country. The bill also authorizes exception processing, which it said is a hearing to determine whether an applicant has sufficient evidence to prove they qualify for an ID. The new bill changes the current rules by taking away requirements that applicants have to file a Colorado resident income tax return, show residency in the state for two years and show a documented social security number or individual taxpayer identification number. Trump invokes wartime act, deports hundreds of migrants Eventually, the bill allows prolongated rules about exception processing and the use of IDs. The bill said after Jan. 1, 2027, the rules for exceptions can be prolongated, but they must still address specific requirements. For the 2024-25 state fiscal year, the act is giving $122,855 to the Department of Revenue from the highway users tax fund. The bill said $14,355 of the sum is going to the governor's office for the Office of Information Technology. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
