SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — The Illinois House has approved legislation allowing illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

House lawmakers approved the bill 65 to 46. The measure now heads to Gov. Pat Quinn’s desk, who has said he’ll sign it.

• Driver’s Licenses for Illegals Inching Towards Reality in Illinois

Supporters of the bill that sailed through the state Senate have been bipartisan. They call it a matter of public safety that will allow an estimated 250,000 illegal immigrants of driving age in Illinois to get driver’s licenses.

The licenses would not be used for identification purposes like to board a plane. Anyone who applies will have to take driver’s tests, prove Illinois residency and have a picture taken that would go into a state database.

Washington and New Mexico allow illegal immigrants to get licenses.

The bill is SB957.
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