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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Two Tennessee lawmakers are sponsoring a bill that would require all written driver license testing within the state to be administered only in English.
Senate Bill 1373 (SB1373) sponsored by Senator Bo Watson (R-Hixson-District 11) and corresponding House Bill 0556 (HB0556) sponsored by Representative Kip Capley (R-Summertown-District 71) would also prohibit the use of any kind of aid in taking the exam such as a translation dictionary, electronic device, or an interpreter.
Illegal immigration in the state has been in the spotlight this legislative session with the Omnibus Illegal Immigration Bill passing during Governor Bill Lee’s special session.
HB6001/SB6002 which was sent to Lee on Tuesday makes changes to state law with regard to driver licenses and permits.
Present law gives the Department of Safety the right to issue standard licenses and permits to both United States citizens and lawful permanent residents, with Lee’s signature, the law will be revised to, instead, only allow citizens to hold these licenses.
Beginning next year, a lawful permanent resident who wishes to renew or reinstate a standard license will have to show proof of United States citizenship or be issued a temporary license.
In addition, temporary licenses and permits are to include a “visually distinctive marker” to distinguish it from licenses issued to United States citizens.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
