The Vermont Senate is scheduled to take up a bill allowing immigrant farm workers to become Vermont drivers.
It was approved last week by the Transportation Committee by a vote of 4-1.
Vermont dairy farms employ an estimated 1,500 Mexican farm workers, many of whom are in the country illegally. They say they are isolated in rural areas and have to get rides from their employer or volunteers or sometimes pay for transportation to go to the grocery store or doctor.
The bill would allow them to get a special driving privilege card provided that they have the proper documentation and then take the tests to get a permit, and license.
The bill is expected to be taken up by the Senate today.