S4329A

The New York State Senate passed legislation authorizing the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles to enter into driver's license reciprocity agreements with other states, countries, provinces, and territories. Senate Print 4329A, sponsored by Sen. Sepúlveda, passed on a 42-20 vote. The bill addresses years of requests from foreign consulates seeking to establish reciprocal recognition of driver's licenses while maintaining comparable licensing and safety standards across jurisdictions. Sen. Sepúlveda credited collaboration with officials from Taiwan and the Dominican Republic, as well as support from Assemblyman Phil Ramos, Assemblyman Manny De Los Santos, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Sen. John Liu, Sen. Tim Kennedy, and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Sen. Kennedy noted the legislation removes bureaucratic barriers that previously prevented the DMV from granting reciprocity agreements sought by multiple consulates general. The bill takes effect immediately.