The Senate Transportation and Safety Committee of Tennessee convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss a proposed bill aimed at addressing the validity of out-of-state driver's licenses issued to individuals not lawfully present in the United States. The legislation mandates the Department of Safety to create and maintain a publicly accessible list of states that issue such licenses, declaring them invalid for driving privileges in Tennessee.

During the meeting, committee members voted on an amendment related to the bill, which passed without opposition. However, the discussion took a significant turn when Ashley Warbington, a concerned citizen and mother, testified against the bill. She highlighted several potential negative impacts if the legislation were to pass.

Warbington argued that the bill could lead to a decrease in tax revenue, particularly affecting tourism in both large cities and smaller counties. She expressed concern that it would strain interstate trade, especially as Tennessee faces challenges from tariffs in key export markets. Furthermore, she pointed out that the bill could violate longstanding interstate trading principles, potentially leading to legal disputes with other states.

Warbington emphasized that the bill's approach to invalidating certain licenses could create confusion and discrimination, particularly against individuals with various legal statuses. She warned that the legislation might result in profiling based on race or ethnicity, as it could lead to wrongful assumptions about a driver's immigration status.

In her closing remarks, Warbington illustrated the potential consequences of the bill with a personal example, questioning whether it would deter visitors from coming to Tennessee if they faced legal repercussions for holding valid out-of-state licenses.

The committee's discussions reflect ongoing debates about immigration policy and its implications for state law, highlighting the complexities of balancing safety, legal standards, and economic interests. The next steps for the proposed legislation remain to be determined as the committee continues to evaluate its implications.