BOSTON — The Massachusetts House and Senate will hold a joint hearing on Wednesday on two bills that would let immigrants living in the state illegally get driver's licenses.

WCVB says the bills - filed by Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield and Sen. Brendan Crighton of Lynn, both Democrats - would permit all qualified residents, regardless of immigration status, to receive a standard driver's license. Dozens of other lawmakers have signed on to co-sponsor the bills.

Supporters of the bills argue that allowing those illegally living in Massachusetts to get licenses will help make the roads safer.

Opponents argue that those in the country illegally aren't entitled to the benefit of a driver's license.

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