The St. Paul City Council has waded into a state legislative debate over whether to provide Minnesota driver’s licenses for immigrants who may be living in the country illegally.

At the urging of St. Paul Council Members Amy Brendmoen and Dave Thune on Wednesday, the council voted to support House File 97, otherwise known as the “Minnesota Driver’s License for All” bill.

The bill would no longer require a valid social security number to obtain a driver’s license, and proof of state residency would be sufficient.

“It frankly doesn’t matter what other documentation they have,” said Thune, in an interview. “Can you drive a car safely, and are there consequences if you don’t? Because there are none if you don’t license people.”

The city council resolution states that the measures are “in the interests of public safety, (because they) will allow for the testing and verification of driving skills, and proper identification of vehicle operators within the state of Minnesota.”

The measure passed without discussion, 6-0. Council Member Bill Finney was absent.