February 15, 2008
Addresses concerns of international, Michigan businesses
LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation into law that restores the ability of all legal residents to obtain drivers' licenses. Governor Granholm sent a letter to state lawmakers in January asking them to move quickly in resolving the issue to avoid a detrimental impact on the state's ability to attract jobs and investment to Michigan.
"As we work to recruit international business and investment to Michigan, we need to ensure that the employees of those international companies can conduct their business and personal lives while they are residing and working in Michigan," Granholm said. "This legislation sends the right message to businesses and workers from around the globe: We want you to come and do business in Michigan."
The legislation amends the Michigan Vehicle Code to address concerns raised by Michigan businesses and foreign governments regarding an opinion issued by state Attorney General Cox on December 27, 2007. In that opinion, the attorney general determined that only permanent residents may obtain a driver's license in Michigan and that individuals living here legally, but on a temporary basis, must be denied a license. That opinion led to a decision by the secretary of state to require first-time applicants for a Michigan driver's license to prove they have established a permanent legal residence in Michigan.
In signing the legislation that restores the ability of all legal residents to obtain drivers' licenses, Governor Granholm applauded lawmakers for their bipartisan cooperation in passing the legislation.
There are approximately 400,000 foreign business people, students, and their families in Michigan on visas, many employed in the auto industry and other important sectors.
The new law is Public Act 7 of 2008 (HB 4505).
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