Colorado governor signs immigrant driver’s license bill

A bill increasing the number of locations where Colorado residents who are in the country illegally can obtain driver’s licenses has become law.

Gov. Jared Polis signed the legislation on Tuesday.

Farming, dairy and other business groups backed the initiative, saying it will make it easier for employees to drive to work and operate machinery on the job.

Supporters say it also encourages drivers to get insurance.

Colorado began issuing the special licenses in 2014. Applicants’ fees pay for the program.

Under the law, the licenses will become available at 10 Department of Motor Vehicles offices by July 2020. Just three DMV offices currently offer them to new applicants.

Immigrants who can prove they live in Colorado are eligible.

Twelve U.S. states offer such licenses.