The Connecticut House of Representatives approved a measure late last week that would allow undocumented immigrants to apply for driver's licenses, register their cars and purchase automobile insurance.

The proposal aims to not only make life easier for the undocumented, but also provide protection for citizens and legal residents who must share the road with many people who currently cannot get insurance. Connecticut residents involved in accidents with uninsured motorists often can't get their damages or medical bills taken care of. Applicants will also be able to take drivers' education courses, which proponents of the legislation say will make the streets safer for all drivers.

The vote came down on party lines, with all Republican members opposed, and all but nine Democrats in favor. "There is a stark contrast here," Speaker of the House Brendan Sharkey said. "There are 54,000 untrained, unlicensed, and uninsured drivers on our roads. We believe we should deal with this reality now, while those opposed simply want another study."

New Mexico, Washington state and Illinois have already instituted similar policies, to positive effect. The measure will need to be approved by the Connecticut State Senate, but it is expected to pass, likely sometime this week.

In a statement, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. applauded the measure, comparing it to a similar policy already in place in his city. "Like the municipal ID, granting immigrants driver licenses regardless of immigration status is good policy. Drivers' licenses will reduce the number of uninsured motorists on the road and will establish training and testing standards to ensure driver safety. Moreover, like the Elm City ID, drivers' licenses can help connect immigrants with banking services to help reduce street crime, increase the reporting of crime and help to create a sense of community identity."

Republican opponents are calling the plan a mistake, saying it will make Connecticut a haven for undocumented immigrants. "Connecticut would be the only state on the east coast to allow such a program, making the state a magnet for illegal immigrants who bring with them a host of increased costs to state government," State Representative David Scribner said.

They also say the program will cost the state too much money. "Without a study or any effort to thoroughly vet this concept, we can only speculate the impact this bill will have on homeland security, public safety, insurance policy holders and insurance companies. Perhaps even more troubling is that we have no plan to allocate the financial and staff resources needed for the DMV to manage the colossal influx of demand that will cripple their day-to-day operations," said State Representative Themis Klarides.

Proponents of the legislation say it will actually increase revenue, due to the larger base of taxpayers and the influx of money into auto insurance programs.

While the bill seems likely to pass, Connecticut has a history of large swings in political power, so the 2014 midterm elections could bring the Republicans back into a position to repeal the new legislation. That will depend mainly on the state of the national economy, a particular sticking point for Democrats nationwide.