Senate approves bill to invalidate certain out-of-state driver’s licenses issued to people without lawful presence

The Tennessee Senate passed a bill on third reading that would render certain out‑of‑state driver’s licenses invalid in Tennessee when those licenses are issued to people without lawful presence in the United States and make driving on such a license a class B misdemeanor.

Leader Johnson, the bill’s sponsor, told the Senate the legislation “would ensure that Tennessee does not recognize or accept driver’s licenses that are issued to those who are in the country unlawfully” and said the Department of Safety would maintain “a publicly available list” describing the document types law enforcement should treat as invalid. He described that list as the mechanism by which officers would determine whether a presented license was covered by the statute.

Senators who opposed the bill raised constitutional and civil‑rights concerns. Senator Yarbrough argued the proposal conflicts with the Constitution’s Full Faith and Credit Clause, saying the clause “mandates that all states have to respect the public acts, records, and proceedings of other states.” He warned the measure effectively criminalizes drivers who hold a license lawfully issued in another state and then cross into Tennessee.

Senator Lamar and others warned the measure could lead to racial profiling or other enforcement problems. Lamar asked how officers would tell, during a routine stop, whether a license indicated lawful presence; Johnson pointed back to the Department of Safety list and said the list will identify specific license types and formats so officers can check a presented document without relying on a person’s appearance. “That website will spell that out in very clear detail for law enforcement so that they will be able to make that determination,” Leader Johnson said.

Supporters said the bill reflects Tennessee’s policy that driving privileges are reserved for those authorized under state law. Opponents, including Senator Ackberry, said the proposal is constitutionally suspect and creates a new criminal sanction for what many consider an immigration civil‑status issue.

On the floor the motion to adopt the House version of the bill carried; the Clerk recorded the final vote showing a constitutional majority in favor and the bill was declared passed on third and final consideration.

What happens next: The bill, as passed, directs the Department of Safety to develop and publish the list used by law enforcement. The transcript did not provide an implementation date or whether the department has completed the list; those details were discussed as forthcoming in the coming months.