With Senate override vote, driver’s license bill becomes law

By  Steve Leblanc
Published 4:57 PM EDT, June 9, 2022

BOSTON (AP) — A bill that would allow immigrants in the country illegally to obtain driver’s licenses in Massachusetts has become law after the state Senate voted Thursday to override the veto of Republican Gov. Charlie Baker.

The 32-8 vote followed a successful override vote Wednesday in the House. Massachusetts now joins 16 other states and the District of Columbia that have similar laws.

The new law is a win for immigrant rights groups that have long pushed for the measure, framing it in part as a public safety measure saying that the people will have to show they can properly operate a car and get insurance in the event of an accident.