Senate Approves “English Only” Drivers License Bill

Nashville, Tenn. – Senate Bill 201, sponsored by Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro), passed the full Senate tonight.  As amended the bill requires that all written drivers license examinations be given in English unless the person has written security clearance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

 “We believe that any one is welcome in Tennessee,” Ketron said tonight on the Senate floor, “however Tennesseans have a problem when people come here illegally and cut line.” 

The bill first appeared on the Senate floor last week, but was rolled because several members brought concerns that this may send the wrong message to international companies looking to relocate to Tennessee.  Tonight, Sen. Ketron pointed out that Mississippi requires that their examinations for drivers licenses be in English. (Toyota recently chose Mississippi for a new plant over a site in Tennessee.)

Some have accused the bill of being mean-spirited and sending “the wrong message”.  Others have said that the legislation is not needed because as amended, the department is already doing what the bill requires.  Sen. Ketron responds by saying that he is glad that the department is currently doing this. 

“It is good policy, but in Tennessee it needs to be a law on the books to ensure that we are always doing this,” said Ketron.  “If anything this will send the message to those that want to come here without the proper documentation that they will not be getting a Tennessee drivers license unless they take the test in English.” 

A similar measure passed the Senate last year, only to be buried in a subcommittee in the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives.

“It is time for Tennessee to take a stand against illegal immigration,”  Ketron said. “This bill is not a cure all, but it is a start.”

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