DACA Driver's Licenses (H 7982B, S 2678A)

Over 1,200 DACA recipients live in Rhode Island and are directly affected by the President's repeal last year of the order establishing the DACA program, providing some protections to young people brought to this country while they were minors. In the absence of Congressional action, state officials have an essential role to protect Dreamers. As of now, when Dreamers lose their DACA protections, they will also lose their right to drive. Legislation introduced this session sought to ensure otherwise, protecting their ability to drive legally.  The House and Senate each passed amended versions of this legislation, and Governor Raimondo signed it into law in June.