Ceremonial Bill Signing Celebrates Passage of Work and Family Mobility Act
New law to allow drivers’ licenses for residents who lack federal immigration status
(BOSTON – 06/13/2022) Today, the Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka and Speaker of the House of Representatives Ronald Mariano held a ceremonial bill signing for the Work and Family Mobility Act, which allows Massachusetts residents who lack federal immigration status to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license. Last week, both chambers voted to override a gubernatorial veto on the bill, meaning that it is now law.
“We are a nation of immigrants, and our Commonwealth continues to be profoundly and positively shaped by immigrants from all over the world,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “They deserve to be able to safely get to work and school, care for their families and participate in the lives of their communities. I am thrilled that the Legislature has voted to override Governor Baker’s veto on this measure, which supports families, improve public safety and is good for our economy. I’d like to thank Senators Crighton and Gomez championing this bill in the Senate, Speaker Mariano and our partners in the House, and the many members of the coalition who joined forces and shared their stories to make this a reality.”
“I’m incredibly proud of the Legislature’s persistent efforts, despite a gubernatorial veto, that have allowed for the passage of the Work and Family Mobility Act. By bringing all Massachusetts drivers under the same licensing standards, regardless of immigration status, this legislation ensures that everyone on our roads is identifiable, insured, and well versed in the rules of the road,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chairman Straus, Representatives Barber and Farley-Bouvier, and all my colleagues in the House, as well as Senate President Spilka and our colleagues in the Senate for the hard work required to get this done. Massachusetts will be a better place for it.”
"The Work and Family Mobility Act will make our roads safer and, just as importantly, make the lives of more than 185,000 Massachusetts immigrants without status easier by allowing them to earn a standard driver's license,” said State Senator Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn). “No one should fear detention or deportation over essential everyday tasks such as getting to work, school, doctor's appointments and grocery stores.”
"The Work and Family Mobility Act is a piece of legislation I have been proud to co-lead on since I first entered the Senate," said State Senator Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). "As a proud Puerto Rican, a Boricua, and the State Senator for a district that is rich in diversity, I know that this bill will benefit generations of families across the Commonwealth. Our state is rich in culture and has a deep-rooted sense of community. The Senate further affirmed their commitment to protecting all families, regardless of status, by overriding the Governor’s veto of this bill and enacting it into law. As elected officials, we represent our communities as a whole, whether or not they are able to vote for us. Thank you to my co-lead Senator Crighton, Senate President Spilka, the Driving Families Forward Coalition, and the countless advocates and immigrants who lent their voices to this legislation so that we could reach the finish line."
“Passage of this law allows Massachusetts to meet its public safety responsibility by having trained and insured drivers on the road. This is confirmed by the support it received from so many police chiefs and District Attorneys throughout the state,” said Representative William M. Straus (D-Mattapoisett), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation.
“I am incredibly grateful for the bold leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano, the partnership between the House Progressive Caucus and Black and Latino Caucus, and the ever inspiring and powerful Driving Families Forward Coalition. Together, with the full support of Law Enforcement, we were able to pass this landmark legislation to support all residents of our Commonwealth” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield). “The advocacy and work to get this bill across the finish line shows what’s possible when advocates work hand-in-hand with legislators and Massachusetts is better off for it. We did this together and I am immensely proud of our work.”
“I am incredibly proud of the tremendous effort from my partners on this bill - legislators, advocates, and the Driving Families Forward Coalition for working to override the Governor’s veto and make the Work and Family Mobility Act law,” said Representative Christine Barber (D–Somerville and Medford). “This bill is one of the most important steps the state can take to improve road safety, and also to ensure all residents feel safe and can access basic needs like groceries and health care. Passing the WFMA is a win for public safety and immigrant justice, and will have a direct impact on the lives and success of countless families across the Commonwealth.”
The new law has received widespread support from members of the law enforcement community, advocacy groups, and members of the immigrant community. Under this law, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) will not inquire about immigration status when processing an application for a Massachusetts driver’s license or registration, solely basing the issuance of driver’s licenses to residents who provide required documents to prove their identity, pass the corresponding driver tests, and meet all other eligibility criteria.
To apply for a standard driver’s license, applicants will need to provide at least two documents to prove their identity and date of birth. All documents written in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified translation to English:
Document #1: valid unexpired foreign passport or valid unexpired consular ID
Document #2: valid US driver's license, birth certificate, valid foreign national ID card, valid foreign driver’s license, or a marriage certificate or divorce decree
Individuals who cannot prove lawful presence in the United States would remain ineligible for a "REAL ID” which requires documentation of U.S. citizenship or lawful status as a matter of federal law. The law directs the Registrar of Motor Vehicles, in consultation with the State Secretary, to establish procedures to ensure that an applicant who does not provide proof of lawful presence shall not be automatically registered to vote. To protect applicants’ privacy, the legislation also prohibits the RMV from disclosing any information about applicants for and holders of a standard driver’s license except as authorized by regulations promulgated by the Attorney General.
The Work and Family Mobility Act is set to take effect July 1, 2023.