Proposal to reverse law that allows undocumented drivers is close to spot on 2020 ballot

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A proposal to reverse a law that grants driver's licenses to undocumented immigrants is close to securing a spot on the 2020 ballot.

The measure to overturn AB 60 also seeks to reverse California's status as a sanctuary state and end automatic voter registration practices.

Proponents of this initiative believe that roads will be safer if illegal immigrants are unable to get licenses to drive.

This plan needs 365,880 signatures to qualify for the ballot. The move is led by Don Rosenberg, whose son, Drew, was killed in 2010 when his motorcycle was hit by an unlicensed driver who had been granted temporary immigration status to remain in the U.S.

Councilman Gil Cedillo first introduced a measure to grant drivers licenses to immigrants in the country illegally in 1997, when he was in the state Legislature. Some 16 years later, AB 60 was signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. In April, Cedillo helped celebrate a milestone of 1 million licenses having been granted since the law was enacted.

"The loss of Don Rosenberg's son is unfortunate, but we cannot blame an entire class of motorists for it," Cedillo said. "California is a leader for immigrant protections, as is evidence by the numerous laws we've enacted and the lawsuits filed against ICE."

City News Service contributed to this report.