FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Panel Approves Bill to Fix Drivers'
Testing Station Crisis
CONTACT: Senator Rosalind Kurita
Pamela George
Office: (615) 741-2374*Home: (931) 358-2005
Senator Kurita: 'Proposed legislation would require proof of residency
and fee for re-testing'
Proposed legislation requiring proof of Tennessee residency and fees
for re-testing would help end the long lines and hours of waiting at
drivers' testing stations across the state, according to Senator Rosalind
Kurita. Last week a special Senate panel approved the emergency measure as
a back-up plan to be used if the Sundquist administration doesn't quickly
enact new regulations to fix the problem.
"The problems at drivers' testing stations can be corrected with
legislation or with action by the Governor who can issue new regulations,"
Sen. Kurita said. "We have a legislative remedy that is ready to go, but
the Governor asked the General Assembly not to move forward on the
legislation, preferring instead to draft new regulations. Either approach
is acceptable; delaying action is not."
Under the legislation, driver's license applicants who do not have a
social security number would be required to have documentation from the U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service, plus two documents proving residency
in Tennessee. Accepted documents for proof of residency include:
* Utility bills, including telephone service, showing a valid
Tennessee residence;
* Bank statements showing a valid Tennessee residence address;
* Employer verification acceptable by the Dept. of Safety;
* Life or health insurance policies showing a valid Tennessee
residence; and,
* Driver's license issued by the state of Tennessee to a parent, legal
guardian or spouse showing a valid Tennessee residence.
Students enrolled in public or private education institutions in the state
could provide a photo ID and documentation to show the student resides on
campus.
According to the Dept. of Safety, much of the current problem can be
attributed to applicants who fail the test and repeatedly return to retake
the test. The legislation requires a $10 fee for each testing and allows
the Dept. of Safety to impose reasonable waiting periods between re-testing.