Ill. House to weigh licenses for illegals

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Jan. 7 (UPI) -- The Illinois House is considering a measure that would allow some 250,000 illegal immigrants in the state to apply for drivers licenses, leaders said.

The measure has already passed the Illinois Senate and won approval, 6-3, from the House transportation committee. Bill sponsor Rep. Eddie Acevedo, D-Chicago, could call for a full House vote at any point, the Chicago Tribune said Monday. It is expected to be a close tally.

The ability to apply for a three-year renewable drivers license would cut down on the number of arrests police make for driving illegally and would lead to fewer undocumented residents driving without insurance, advocates said. The drivers licenses would not be permitted for use as photo ID for other purposes, such as boarding an airplane, purchasing firearms or voting.