Leaders discuss bipartisan legislation to remove barriers to OR Driver’s License Access

Salem, Ore- Yesterday, CAUSA, Oregon's Immigrant Rights Coalition, the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs, and allies held a press conference at the Oregon State Capitol in support of Senate Bill 845. 

Senate Bill 845 is a bipartisan solution to restore access to driver's licenses to all Oregonians, regardless of their citizenship status. Passage of this crucial piece of legislation is important for Oregon's public safety and economic prosperity.

Moderator Aeryca Steinbauer,CAUSA

The bill will remove unnecessary barriers for Oregon residents to legally drive and purchase insurance and will eliminate subsequent unintended consequences that were created by the Oregon State Legislature in 2008. Those affected not only include immigrants but older people, who cannot find or may not have personal-identity documents, and also people with disabilities.

Speakers  included Oregon State Representative Ben Cannon (Portland-D), Oregon State Senator Chip Shields (Portland-D), Jose Ibarra, Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs, David Leslie, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, Rev. Melanie Oommen, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Eugene, Jose Gonzalez, Latino Business Association and Tu Casa Real Estate, Esequiel Regalado, Farmer's Insurance, Carmen Rubio, Latino Network and Alberto Moreno, Oregon Latino Agenda for Action.

Senate Bill 845 was introduced on February 17, 2011 in the Oregon State Legislature by State Senator Chip Shields (D-Portland) and Representatives Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton), Ben Cannon (D-Portland) and Tina Kotek (D-Portland).

Related Press Coverage:
Driver's license bill would drop residency requirement Salem Statesman Journal
New Law Could Give Immigrants Right To Drive KPTV FOX News 12
Under Ore. bill, citizenship proof would not be required for a driver's license The Republic, Columbia, Indiana
Conference in Support of Drivers License Restoration Act KEZI TV ABC
Drivers' License Debate Crosses the Border Lake Stevens Journal, WA
Oregon May Reverse Drivers License Limit KTVZ TV 21 NBC Bend 
KATU News Channel 2 KATU TV ABC Portland

Posted in: Drivers' License Access Restoration,Press Conference,SB845