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Bill

HB 927

A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, prohibiting issuance of driver's licenses to individuals not lawfully present in the United States.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Banta and 23 co-sponsors

Proposed Pennsylvania constitutional amendment barring driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, making such restrictions permanent constitutional law rather than policy.

Referred to Transportation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 927

Legislative bill overview

HB 927 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's state constitution that would prohibit issuing driver's licenses to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States. This is a proposed amendment rather than direct legislation, meaning it would require approval by the Pennsylvania legislature and voters before taking effect.

Why is this important

Currently, Pennsylvania does not issue standard driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants, though some states do. A constitutional amendment on this issue would make the prohibition permanent and more difficult to change through future legislation. This affects transportation access, employment opportunities, and law enforcement interactions for millions of residents while touching on federal immigration policy at the state level.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional vs. statutory approach: Critics argue a constitutional amendment is unnecessary since Pennsylvania already restricts licenses to lawfully present individuals, and that amending the constitution for this purpose sets a precedent for immigration policy to supersede traditional constitutional concerns
  • Definition and enforcement challenges: Disputes over what constitutes "lawfully present" status, given the complexity of federal immigration law and various visa categories, and how states would verify this status
  • Practical impacts: Concerns that restricting licenses increases unlicensed driving, reduces insurance coverage, creates transportation barriers to employment and healthcare, and potentially increases vulnerability to exploitation among undocumented residents
  • Federal-state authority: Questions about whether states should embed immigration enforcement in their constitutions versus leaving such matters to federal jurisdiction

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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