English-only driver’s license bill delayed because of unknown costs

Legislation creating an English-only driver’s license in Tennessee is being delayed in the Senate until lawmakers can figure out the cost and decide whether to fund it.

The Senate finance committee opted Tuesday to postpone consideration of Senate Bill 1889 until they adopt a budget, likely within the next two weeks. 

A financial analysis shows the bill would cost the state about $1.8 million in its first year and local governments nearly $2.2 million. The analysis also points toward unknown costs, which the finance committee wants to review before taking a final vote and sending it to a floor vote.

Sponsored by Republican Sen. Brent Taylor of Shelby County, the measure allows applicants to take the initial test in their native language and drive for three years on an unrestricted license before they’re required to take the test in English for renewal.

Taylor previously told lawmakers the bill is designed, in part, to make sure motorists can read road signs for public safety. Taylor said he hadn’t received any pushback on the bill, even though the first version would have allowed an unrestricted license for only one year. At least three people testified against the bill in the Senate Transportation Committee, and other senators have raised questions about the measure.

The bill is part of Republicans’ “Immigration 2026” package crafted with the help of White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller.

Republican Sen. Richard Briggs of Knoxville recently questioned the bill, saying it is “anti-foreign” in a state that relies heavily on foreign investments.

The Japanese consul-general also sent lawmakers a letter raising concerns about the bill and its potential impact on families who come to the United States to work at Japanese-owned companies.

The House version of the bill, HB1708 sponsored by Republican Rep. Kip Capley of Summertown, was deferred to a driver’s license bill calendar of the House finance subcommittee. No date has been set for consideration.

Finance subcommittee Chairman Ryan Williams said Tuesday that driver’s license bills with related costs would be approved only if the House decides to fund them. 

“But we try to prioritize the level of importance of each one we have,” Williams said. He noted that the bill is “relatively inexpensive” and that the cost is related mainly to the way the Department of Safety prepares driver’s licenses.