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Georgia License Law SB 350 Goes Into Effect July 1

This law was created in Georgia specifically for the immigrant population. This is a law that immigrants driving without licenses must take seriously. As an employer, you must make absolutely sure that whoever is driving your vehicles has a valid driver's license.

The first conviction is a misdemeanor that can carry from 2 days to 12 months in jail plus a $500 to $1000 fine. The second and third convictions are considered high aggravated misdemeanors and can carry a jail sentence of 12 days to 12 months along with a $1000 to $2500 fine. A fourth conviction within five years is considered a felony and carries a 1 to 5 year jail term along with a $2500 to $5000 fine. In the first case, the detention center will try to determine immigrant status and if they cannot achieve this goal will notify Homeland Security. In all other cases, ICE (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement will be notified.)

This law has created a lot of conflict in GA as immigrant activists view this as targeted anti-immigrant legislation. In fact, it is. On the other hand, people who are driving without licenses, and there have been many, normally do not have insurance and really should not be driving in the first place. I'll let you make your own judgments on the law. I just want to make sure you are aware of this and act accordingly. Expect more laws like this around the country as other states will be watching as well.

For a printable brochure that explains this law to your employees in both English and Spanish go here. I recommend you print this and hand it out to all your Latino employees. Just to be fair, give it to your Anglos as well!
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posted by Ricardo González on July 1, 2008.

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