Bill passes to ban local governments from validating community IDs for illegals

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Legislation prohibiting local governments from validating community IDs for illegal aliens will be sent to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ desk for signature.

The prohibition doesn’t apply to documents issued by the federal government.

Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hill, is carrying SB 1174, which passed the Senate 28-9.

The House version of the legislation, HB 1451, is sponsored by Reps. Kiyan Michael, R-Jacksonville Beach, and Berny Jacques, R-Clearwater. The bill passed 81-32 in the House.

Michael carried an anti-illegal immigration bill, recently signed into law last year by the governor, mandating E-Verify practices, adding money for migrant transports, and increasing penalties for human smuggling.

Current law already prohibits counties and municipalities from “providing funds to the person, entity or organization for the purpose of issuing an ID card or document to a person who does not provide proof of lawful presence in the United States.”

During debate, Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, opposed the bill.

“I feel like we’re just doing this to continue to make people feel uncomfortable just because of the fact that they came here from other countries, and I don’t think that’s a good policy for us to be doing,” Berman said.

If signed by DeSantis, the bill would take effect July 1.