NYS Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos Collaborate to Advance Driver's License Reciprocity Bill

NYS Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos, in a joint effort to address the needs of their constituents, have introduced a groundbreaking bill in the New York State Legislature. The proposed legislation aims to establish driver's license reciprocity between the State of New York and the Dominican Republic, facilitating the exchange of licenses for residents of both jurisdictions. 

This historic initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening diplomatic relations and promoting synergy in transportation, education, health, and the economy between the Dominican Republic and New York State. Thousands of Dominicans living in New York will have the opportunity to easily obtain a New York State driver's license, and vice versa, without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles, provided they meet all the legal requirements. 

Yesterday, May 24, 2023, Mr. Hugo Beras, Director of the National Institute of Transit and Land Transportation (INTRANT) of the Dominican Republic, visited the New York State Senate. Accompanied by a team of technicians from INTRANT, Mr. Beras participated in a productive working meeting, shedding light on the technical aspects of the agreement from the Dominican perspective. 

The visit by Mr. Hugo Beras to the New York State Senate represents a historic moment as the first official trip by an INTRANT Director in history. This significant milestone further demonstrates the commitment of both the Dominican Republic and the State of New York to fostering greater cooperation in driver's license reciprocity. 

Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos, a respected champion for his constituents, expressed his excitement in making this bill possible. Recognizing the increasing interconnectedness of our global society and the needs of the 4.5 million foreign-born New Yorkers, De Los Santos emphasized the importance of strong relationships with other nations. 

The introduction of this bill was announced on October 6, 2022, during a joint press conference with Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos and Senator Luis Sepúlveda. The event highlighted the unwavering commitment of both representatives to their respective communities and their dedication to streamlining processes that improve the lives of New Yorkers. 

Since then, progress has been made in advancing the bill through the legislative process. Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos and Senator Luis Sepúlveda have expressed their appreciation for the support received from Assembly colleagues, Congressmember Adriano Espaillat, and the leadership of New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. He also acknowledged the collaboration between the New York State Senate and the Senate of the Dominican Republic, led by Senator Alexis Victoria Yeb and Senate President Eduardo Estrella, respectively.