Today, Assemblymember Monica P. Wallace (D-Lancaster) announced that the NYS budget contains provisions to restore access to DMV records for Department of Homeland Security agents seeking to process trusted traveler applications.

Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security announced it would suspend trusted traveler programs in response to the Green Light Law’s provisions barring federal agents from accessing Department of Motor Vehicle records. Agents stated that they could not process applications without information contained in DMV records. Suspension of this program threatened to impact countless regional businesses that rely on cross-border travel.

“The budget addresses the concerns raised by federal agents and restores access to DMV records in connection with processing applications to the trusted traveler program,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “I know that residents and businesses in our community were deeply troubled by the suspension of the trusted traveler program. Now that access has been restored, I fully expect DHS to resume processing those applications.

“The Western New York economy relies heavily on cross-border travel.” Assemblymember Wallace continued. “Canadian travelers make about three million trips to Western New York annually and spend close to $900 million at local businesses. That’s why it was critical to restore the access needed to process those TTP applications.

“I’m pleased that the governor and legislature have heard the concerns raised by federal agents and addressed those concerns,” said Assemblymember Wallace. “Even though cross-border travel is currently restricted, the COVID-19 crisis has illustrated how much we rely on DHS agents to keep our border safe. We must ensure they have the tools needed to perform their important work.”

The provision amends existing law to grant federal agents access to DMV records in connection with processing trusted traveler applications. It also grants access to DMV records to facilitate vehicle imports and exports.