House approves bill barring recognition of certain out‑of‑state licenses issued to those without lawful presence

The Tennessee House voted to approve House Bill 7‑49, a measure that directs the Department of Safety to publicly list out‑of‑state driver's licenses that are issued specifically to individuals who are not lawfully present in the United States and that bear a marking indicating that status. Sponsor Representative Jason Reeves said the bill simply clarifies that Tennessee will not recognize those specially marked licenses.

"HB 7‑49 simply says Tennessee will not recognize driver's licenses from other states that are issued exclusively to individuals without legal status and are marked as such," Representative Reeves said, framing the measure as an exercise of state responsibility to protect the integrity of its licensing system.

Opponents raised constitutional and civil‑liberties concerns. Representative Bain drew a historical analogy in a strongly worded floor speech, saying such administrative classifications can lead to exclusionary, discriminatory outcomes; other members worried about enforcement, interstate commerce and unintended impacts on travelers.

Representative Reeves and proponents said the bill applies only to licenses explicitly issued and marked for individuals unlawfully present, and that Department of Safety would maintain a list so law enforcement could identify such documents. Representative Clemens and others pressed the sponsor on how the law would function practically for people merely driving through the state.

After extended debate, the House recorded the vote 68–21 in favor of HB 7‑49 on third reading. The measure, as passed, directs the Department of Safety to maintain guidance and a public list identifying affected out‑of‑state licenses.