Tennessee House Bill HB1017

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Refer: 2/10/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 12 and Title 55, Chapter 50, relative to licenses.

Summary

HB1017 requires that all Tennessee driver licenses and photo identification licenses be manufactured and printed within the state. The bill directs the Department of Safety, or another state department or agency, to review the most cost-effective way to do this, including the option of using a private vendor, but the actual manufacturing and printing must occur in Tennessee. The bill also sets a delayed effective date for most purposes until January 1, 2026, while allowing the state to begin reviewing costs and existing contracts immediately upon enactment. In practical terms, it changes how the state procures and produces driver licenses and photo IDs, but it does not alter who is eligible for those credentials or the information they contain.

Impact

The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 55, Chapter 50 by adding a new section requiring in-state production of driver licenses and photo identification cards. It affects the Department of Safety’s procurement and contracting authority by requiring the department to evaluate whether in-house production, another state entity, or a private vendor is the most cost-effective option, so long as the work is performed in Tennessee. The measure may affect existing vendor contracts, state administrative operations, and any private or public entities involved in license card production.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears administrative and operational rather than ideological, with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness and in-state production. The delayed implementation suggests an intent to allow time for review and transition.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is whether requiring all licenses to be manufactured and printed in Tennessee will increase or reduce costs compared with current arrangements, especially if existing out-of-state or out-of-state-linked production contracts are in place. Another possible issue is whether limiting production to in-state facilities could reduce flexibility in procurement or vendor selection. No specific stakeholders or objections are identified in the provided materials.