HB 279 – Driver’s Licenses for All: Current Status
House Bill 279 will allow residents of Pennsylvania to legally obtain a driver’s license with a Tax ID Number, or ITIN, a federally issued identifier used to pay taxes by those who do not have a social security number.
Currently HB 279 is in consideration before the PA Transportation Committee. While there is no way to predict the timeline of this legislation, on August 11th a hearing has been called in Harrisburg to discuss HB279. This is an exciting development, as a vote within the committee is essential for the bill to get to the whole house. The Driving PA Forward Coalition will be in attendance next week at the hearing to show their support. At least 10 Coalition members will be sharing their testimony regarding the importance of Driver’s Licenses For All. If you are unable to attend the hearing, please check out the Driving PA Forward Facebook page for a Facebook livestream of the hearing at 10am on August 11th.
From across Pennsylvania we can let the Transportation Committee representatives know we support HB 279: Driver’s Licenses for All. By gathering our families, friends, neighbors, and community to fill out an electronic action, we raise our collective voice in support of HB 279.
Background on Legislative Process in Pennsylvania:
Once a bill is created and drafted by one or more legislators, it is assigned to a standing committee. The Committee considers the bill, holds hearings, takes evidence, and decides whether to support the bill. If the Committee supports the bill, it is presented to the entire chamber (House or Senate) on three separate days for consideration.
If the bill requires an expenditure of funds or results in a loss of revenue, the bill must be sent to the Appropriations Committee while it is being considered.
During its days of consideration, legislators may debate or comment on the bill. On the third day of consideration, the entire chamber votes on the bill. If the chamber approves the bill, it is sent to the other chamber for approval, repeating the review process and chamber vote.
Once both chambers have passed identical versions of the bill, it is sent to the Governor to sign.
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