The Senate Transportation Committee reported SB 1302, a bill to align the expiration period of the driver's privilege card and other time‑limited driving authorization with the standard driver's license duration.

Sponsor Senator McPike said the change reduces administrative burdens on immigrant communities and simplifies DMV operations. He told the committee the bill removes an unnecessary difference between privilege cards and standard licenses and stressed that civil immigration status is not a factor in issuing driving authorization.

Supporters included John Cano of the Legal Aid Justice Center, who described economic contributions of immigrants and urged the committee to approve the measure to promote road safety and workforce participation. Ismael Arana, an immigrant who testified in Spanish through translation, told the committee that longer durations would reduce financial and logistical burdens for families and align Virginia with neighboring states.

Committee members noted the bill was similar to a measure considered previously and that DMV staff had indicated the administrative change would reduce customer visits and help cut lines at service centers. The committee voted to report the bill; the clerk recorded Ayes 15, No 0.

Votes on SB 1302
Motion: report (constituent service bill). Mover: not specified. Second: not specified. Vote: Ayes 15, No 0. Outcome: reported to the full Senate.