Security fears stall bill letting illegal immigrants get licenses

Sacramento -- A bill that would allow undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses stalled Thursday after running into security concerns from lawmakers and county sheriffs.

The legislation had been on the fast track after Gov. Gray Davis said he would sign the measure. But amendments made this week -- including one that would double the cost of renewing licenses for all Californians -- raised red flags.

"Last year, the governor wanted stronger security. This bill is 15 steps backward," said Nick Warner, legislative director for the California State Sheriffs Association. "I don't think the world has changed that much."

Except, he noted, for the Oct. 7 recall election.

Next Gray will be patrolling street corners in sequinned hot pants.