Bill requires verification before issuing driver's licenses

A bill requiring the state to electronically verify that all foreign nationals are in the U.S. legally before issuing a Montana driver’s license or ID card was signed into law by Gov. Brian Schweitzer on April 18.

House Bill 1787, sponsored by Rep. David Howard, R-Park City, and co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Lavin, R-Kalispell, requires state officials to verify a legal presence in the U.S. and not using a driver’s license from another state alone.

Applicants must pay a $2 fee for checking with the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.

The bill received overwhelming Republican support and little Democratic support. The votes were 30-19 in the Senate and 68-31 in the House.