Dems Vote to Grant MD ID to convicted felons without proof of legal presence 2-26-09

In the ongoing battle to require a proof of legal presence standard in Maryland, Democrat Senators rejected a floor amendment proposed by Senator Andy Harris (R - Baltimore & Harford) that would prohibit the granting of a photo identification card by the state Department of Corrections to illegal immigrants being released from the prison system.

Senator Harris proposed the amendment to Senate Bill 186 which was on second reader with a favorable report from the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.  This bill creates new provisions that would require the Commissioner of Corrrections to issue a Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) photo identification card to an inmate being released from confinement in a State corrrectional institution irregardless of the inmate's immigration status.

In the floor debate on the amendment, Senate Republicans argued that issuing official state photo identification cards without proof of legal status further devalued the integrity of Maryland's MVA licensing system.  Earlier this month, MVA officials admited at a Senate Republican Caucus meeting that six to twelve states already refuse to recognize Maryland MVA identification cards.

The amendment proposed by Senator Harris was rejected on a 21 to 26 vote.  To see the roll call vote click here.