The House narrowly passed a bill revoking driving privilege cards with a vote of 39-35 on Monday.

Donnelson said the cards are a threat to national security and encourage illegal immigrants to settle in Utah.

"With the driver privilege card, we do not know who they are," Donnelson said. "Are they terrorists? Are they just people who want to come here to work? We don't know."

The cards allow an illegal immigrant to drive and obtain insurance in Utah, but they cannot be used for identification purposes, such as to vote or board an airplane.

Utah is one of five states that still have driving privilege cards. Applicants use temporary identification numbers to receive them.

Anyone can apply for a temporary identification number with the IRS, Donnelson said.

"They do not have to apply in person," he said. "They can apply through the mail."

Tennessee, which was the first state to have driver privilege cards, has repealed them, Donnelson said.

Donnelson's bill would revoke all driving privilege cards by Dec. 31, 2008, and prohibit the Driver License Division from issuing any more.

Donnelson said those who here legally and have visas will be able to get a regular driver's license like they did before Utah implemented the driving privilege card. The driver's license expires when the visa expires.

"A year ago I had faith Congress would address the issue," said Rep. David Clark, R-Santa Clara. "The ground work is shifting. Congress is unwilling to solve this issue and punted it back to the states. So, by golly, I guess we'll have to do it."

The bill is a "giant step backward," said Rep. Steven Mascaro, R-West Jordan. It does not help the public because now more people will drive without vehicle insurance.

Rep. Sheryl Allen, R-Bountiful, said she was in accident several years ago during a session. The driver of the other car was here illegally, had a driving privilege card and insurance.

"I think it is a very, very, very bad idea to repeal this law," Allen said.

Donnelson expects to fight another battle as early as today when he brings HB 241 to the floor for a vote. That bill would not allow undocumented students to receive in-state tuition.

Donnelson said he tabled the bill to look at ways undocumented students could get their student visas. One option is to have undocumented students who are here from Mexico to return to their home country and pay $350 to get a student visa.

"The problem is they have to get a passport too and that takes six to eight weeks," Donnelson said.

Donnelson said he is working on an amendment to change the date when undocumented students will no longer be eligible to pay in-state tuition. The amendment that would change the date from May 1, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2010.

That way, current high school students will still be able to attend college this fall and pay in-state tuition, plus it gives other students plenty of notice, he said.

• The Associated Press contributed to this report.

House Bill 239, Driver License Qualification Amendments

Sponsor: Rep. Glenn Donnelson, R-North Ogden

This bill modifies the Public Safety Code by amending driver license provisions.