Colorado Immigrant Driver's Licenses Deal Goes To Governor

DENVER (AP) - A compromise to fund a Colorado program granting driver's licenses to immigrants regardless of their legal status is heading to the governor's desk.

The bipartisan agreement partially funds a request from the state Department of Revenue to collect and spend fees from immigrant applicants and help with office staffing.

The Senate gave unanimous approval to the deal Monday, sending it to Gov. John Hickenlooper. The House had already approved it.

The revenue department initially asked for $166,000 to keep open five offices that handle the licenses, and potentially expand the program. Lawmakers readjusted the request to $66,000, allowing for three offices to be open.

State officials had only one such office available to immigrants since February because lawmakers were gridlocked on the funding request.