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File #: 24-1541    Version: 1 Name: 8/19/24 Resolution in Support of Michigan's Drive Safe Bills
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 8/19/2024 In control: City Council
On agenda: 8/19/2024 Final action: 8/19/2024
Enactment date: 8/19/2024 Enactment #: R-24-344
Title: Resolution in Support of Michigan's Drive Safe Bills
Sponsors: Dharma Akmon, Erica Briggs
Title
Resolution in Support of Michigan's Drive Safe Bills
Body
Whereas, The Michigan Legislature has introduced House Bills 4410, 4411, 4412, and Senate Bills 0265, 0266, and 0267, also known as Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom, and Economy);

Whereas, Drive SAFE legislation aims to restore Michigan's pre-2008 practice of allowing residents to obtain a Michigan driver's license and state identification card, regardless of their ability to demonstrate U.S. citizenship or immigration status;

Whereas, A significant number of Michigan residents face challenges in providing proof of legal status due to various circumstances, including but not limited to: individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, undocumented immigrants, legal immigrants experiencing delays in receiving verification documents due to administrative backlogs, U.S. citizens born abroad, and foreign-born adoptees;

Whereas, Under current state law, Michigan residents who are unable to verify their immigration or citizenship status are prevented from obtaining a driver's license or state identification card, forcing them to either not drive or to drive without a license;

Whereas, Driver's licenses and state IDs remain default forms of identification, and lacking a drivers' license or state ID makes it much more difficult to raise a family, go to school, contribute to the state economy, and access housing and healthcare;

Whereas, It is in the collective interest that all of Michigan's residents that drivers are trained, screened, tested, and made familiar with Michigan driving regulations and have access to purchasing auto insurance;

RESOLVED, Ann Arbor City Council formally urges the Michigan Legislature to pass House Bills 4410, 4411, 4412, and Senate Bills 0265, 0266, and 0267, also known as Drive SAFE; and

RESOLVED, Copies of this resolution be transmitted to delegations of both the Michigan State House and Senate and to Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

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