Senate Dems Threaten Filibuster On Legal Presence Bill 3-27-09
With representatives of CASA de Maryland (Central American Solidarity Association) and the ACLU watching from the gallery, Democrats on the Senate floor today threatened a filibuster of Senate Bill 369 Vehicle Laws – Proof of Lawful Presence Act of 2009.
The bill, which is now supported by the O'Malley Administration, would require proof of legal presence for the issuance of a Maryland drivers' license in compliance with the federal REAL ID Act. The bill was passed by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee by an 8 to 1 vote and was being considered on second reader when several Democrat Senators rose to ask questions about the bill (to see our prior post on this topic click here).
After questions from Senators Delores G.Kelley, D – Baltimore County, and David C. Harrington, D – Prince George’s County, the bill was laid over until Monday's session. Senator Harrington forewarned the chamber that amendments would be offered to create a two-tiered licensing system in Maryland that would allow illegal immigrants to continue to receive a Maryland drivers' license. (To listen to the floor debate, click here, select “Friday, March 27, 2009 Session #1” and advance to 1:42:00 on the tape of the Senate proceedings)
The Senate reconvenes on Monday, March 30th at 3:00 p.m., at which time Senate Bill 369 will be on second reader and open to amendment.