The California Legislature has withheld $55 million in funding for the DMV's plan to share driver license data with other states, sparking concerns from immigrant advocates. - The budget agreement excludes funding for the State-to-State Verification program, which would link California to a national database.
- Opponents warn the system could flag undocumented immigrants by recording Social Security number digits and using placeholders for those without one. - The DMV needs additional legislation to share Social Security numbers, as current state law restricts such sharing.
- Nearly 200 organizations oppose the plan, and protests have occurred at DMV offices. The Legislature has until June 30 to negotiate budget details with Governor Newsom, but advocates doubt a compromise can be reached by the DMV's July 1 deadline.