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Senate approves bill barring illegals from obtaining drivers license

by Bob Hague

An effort to create a special license fails, as the state Senate passes a bill (AB-69) requiring specific documentation to get a drivers license.

In keeping with a post 9-11 federal mandate, the bill requires proof of citizenship or legal residency to obtain a license to drive in Wisconsin. La Crosse Republican, Senator Dan Kapanke, offered the amendment, to allow illegal immigrants access to a limited, one year license. Kapanke argued this would strenghten security; "when a police officer pulls somebody over, they will have some I.D."

The bill's Senate author, Sheboygan Republican Senator Joe Liebham, argued against the amendment, since it called for creation of whole new catagory of license.

The bill will now move to Governor Jim Doyle who has already indicated he'll sign it.