Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Driver Licensing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee adopts 3‑year language accommodation for driver’s license applicants, sends bill to finance
Summary
After testimony from immigrants and advocates, the committee adopted an amendment to Senate Bill 18‑89 allowing an initial driver's test in an applicant's native language with an unrestricted three‑year license; after that period applicants must take the written test in English. The Department of Safety clarified applicants must be lawfully present.
Senate Bill 18‑89, as amended, was advanced by the committee with an approach that allows applicants to take the initial written exam in their native language and receive an unrestricted three‑year license; when they renew after three years they must take the written exam in English. Sponsor Senator Taylor said the amendment was crafted to balance safety and workforce needs.
Multiple witnesses opposed aspects of the bill as introduced. Rick Colbert, who identified himself as a Brentwood resident, said he opposed the English‑only portion and described consequences for U.S. citizens who speak other languages. Diana Sanchez and Rachel Jackson, both testifying in opposition on behalf of language‑access and immigrant‑rights coalitions, argued the proposed English requirement could reduce licensed drivers, harm workers and families, and in practice function as a barrier to lawful residents. The Department of Safety legislative director Graham Tudor clarified that applicants must be lawfully present — a lawful permanent resident, U.S. citizen, or lawful temporary resident — to receive a Tennessee driver's license. The committee adopted the amendment and voted to send the bill to finance/ways and means.
