Lawmakers to weigh bill granting licenses to illegal immigrants

State lawmakers are set to consider legislation that would allow immigrants living in the U.S. illegally to secure a Massachusetts driver's license.

The Joint Committee on Transportation, which is chaired by Sen. Thomas M. McGee (D-Lynn) and Rep. William M. Straus (D-Mattapoisett), scheduled a Feb. 5 hearing to discuss An Act Relative to Safe Driving. The bill is backed by the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition.

Proponents believe issuing licenses to undocumented immigrants would make roads safer because they would be required to pass all of the RMV requirements and get insurance.

Opponents feel the bill would be rewarding people who have broken the law.

An online petition in support of the bill swelled to more than 2,600 signatures by Wednesday afternoon.

FOX 25 asked viewers to weigh in on the bill in their question of the day Monday by asking, "Do you believe that allowing illegal immigrants to get drivers licenses would make Massachusetts' roads safer?"

With more than 25,800 votes cast, just under 84-percent said yes. We inadvertently reversed the numbers in our 5:00 newscast and later clarified the actual results.

The hearing will be held at the State House. Both sides of the issue are expected to be front and center

Cox Media Group