A bill that would make it harder for undocumented immigrants to obtain certain licenses and financial assistance advanced in the Florida House on Tuesday.
The measure (HB 1307) would prohibit “unauthorized aliens” from getting any licenses the state Department of Financial Services issues, such as those related to insurance. It also would give the Division of Risk Management discretion to deny undocumented immigrants’ claims, require all testing for commercial driver’s licenses to be conducted only in English and make undocumented immigrants ineligible to receive workers’ compensation.
“Florida has led the nation in fighting the dangers of illegal immigration, protecting its communities and shaping anti-illegal immigration policies,” said bill sponsor Rep. Berny Jacques, R-Seminole, who was born in Haiti. “From E-Verify requirements, participating in the 287(g) program and protecting taxpayer-funded programs, Florida has created the blueprint for other states to follow.”
The bill passed on a mostly party line 20-5 vote through the House Commerce Committee, with Rep. Kimberly Daniels of Jacksonville the only Democrat to vote for it.