Lawmaker wants harsher penalties for no-license drivers

Some Georgia lawmakers want stiffer penalties for those who drive without a license...including prison time for a fourth offense. The bill sponsored by Senator John Wiles of Kennesaw is causing a stir because some believe it's deliberately aimed at illegal immigrants.

Atlanta attorney Charles Kuck specializes in immigration issues. He said, “This bill is squarely aimed at people that the state legislature believes should leave the state which would be the folks who are presently illegal in the United States."

Jerry Gonzalez is with the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials. He said the bill could also impact Georgia's economy and create an unflattering image for the state.

“That’s not what we want Georgia to be known for,” Gonzalez said. “It’s going to hurt us attracting foreign investment into our state. If it does move forward then Gov. Perdue needs to weigh that very seriously.”

Lawmakers in favor of the bill say it's a way to cut down on traffic deaths which often involve unlicensed drivers.

Hispanic caucus announces legislative priorities

Georgia's Hispanic legislators hope that 2008 will be an easier year for them than 2007 was. At a breakfast this morning, they told Latino leaders that the General Assembly should focus on issues that affect everybody... not just on immigration.

Last year, the caucus fought bills that would make English Georgia's official language, and toughen penalties for driving without a valid in-state license. Representative Tony Sellier of Fort Valley hopes the assembly will move beyond what he calls the 'anger rhetoric' to solve
real problems. He says, "My focus is not on immigration. That's federal. My changes are education, transportation, water plans.

Jerry Gonzales, head of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, says other, non-Hispanic legislators, should agree, "Latino voting strength in Georgia as of November 2007 is at 93,000 strong, and that can make a difference in a competitive statewide election, so legislators need to be careful what they do."

Gonzales intends to further increase voter registration among Georgia's Latinos.

Perdue vetoes tougher penalties for unlicensed drivers

Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed 41 bills Wednesday. One of them would have increased penalties for driving without a valid state license.

Under the bill, motorists caught without valid Georgia driver's licenses would spend at least two days in prison, and pay at least $500 in fines, unless a judge waived the penalties.

"I fear an unintended consequence of this legislation, as drafted, would subject persons with valid out-of-state driver's licenses to stout criminal penalties even absent the commission of a willful act," Perdue said in a release explaining his vetoes.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. John Wiles (R-Marietta), says he's "extremely disappointed."

"It's an important bill that addresses a real problem throughout the state," Wiles said. "People who have never had a driver's license are driving in Georgia and, in fact, killing Georgia citizens."

Immigrants' rights groups, however, are applauding the governor's veto.

"We agree with the Governor that SB 15 would have had many unintended consequences, similar to the arrest and detention of the Canadian tourist recently in Brunswick, Georgia," said Jerry Gonzalez, director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, in a written statement. "Comprehensive immigration reform is moving in our U.S. Congress and will solve the issue of unlicensed drivers among the undocumented immigrant population."

Wiles says his bill does not target any group in particular. He’s vowing to revive his legislation next year.