Thirty-fourth Middlesex District State Rep. Christine Barber.

On June 23, Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford testified in support of her bill H.3456, the Work and Family Mobility Act — alongside other lead bill sponsors Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield) Senators Brendan Crighton (D- Lynn) and Adam Gomez (D-Springfield), and dozens of advocates for the bill.

The Work and Family Mobility Act would allow all qualified Massachusetts residents, regardless of immigration status, to apply for standard Massachusetts driver’s licenses using valid documents. Driving is a key tool of economic mobility, and having a driver’s license allows people to safely get to work, drive their kids to school, and participate in their community. If passed, Massachusetts would join 16 other states who have expanded access to driver’s licenses to immigrants without status, including Connecticut and Vermont.

“It’s critical that families can access care and parents can take their children to the doctor safely without worrying they will be pulled over for driving without a license” Rep. Barber said. “I have heard from constituents that passing this bill would have an immediate impact on the lives and success of immigrant families in our state.”

The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony from legislators, law enforcement, impacted individuals, and other supporters in a hearing that lasted over 4 hours. Hundreds of supporters attended and watched the hearing virtually.

Throughout the hearing, advocates emphasized the important impact of this on public health, as the state continues to combat the COVID-19 crisis. Supporters also highlighted the bill’s potential benefits on public safety and the state’s economy.

Many who testified Wednesday referenced the support for the bill offered by Chelsea Police Chief Bryan Kyes, who leads the Massachusetts Major Cities Chiefs of Police Association. Kyes said that the bill makes sure everyone on our roads has valid identification enables our police officers to better identify drivers.

Advocates and legislators throughout the hearing affirmed that tested and insured drivers make the roads safer for everyone. Importantly, the bill ensures that all drivers know the rules of the road, pass the same driving test, register their vehicles, and have insurance. State revenue is also expected to increase as more residents pay for licenses and auto registrations.