Updated 12:10 p.m.
A proposal that could make Illinois the next state to allow people who are in the U.S. illegally to get driver's licenses has passed out of a House committee.
It's ready for a House floor vote. Gov. Pat Quinn says he'll sign it, if it comes to his desk.
Original story with additional detail:
Today, some Illinois lawmakers are scheduled to debate a bill that would allow people who are in the country illegally to get state driver’s licenses. The measure passed the state Senate last year with bipartisan support - but it still needs to pass the House of Representatives.
Lawrence Benito, with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, says the measure will help keep the roads safe.
“We believe that having everyone who’s driving behind a vehicle has been trained, tested, insured to drive makes it safe - makes our roads safe for everybody," said Benito.
Some lawmakers have raised concerns that the driver’s license program will be susceptible to fraud. But the governor supports it - saying more than 250,000 people currently drive on Illinois roads without passing the proper tests.
