Tennessee Senate Bill SB1136

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 5; Title 8 and Title 55, Chapter 50, Part 3, relative to photo identification licenses.

Summary

SB1136 amends Tennessee law governing photo identification licenses to require the Department of Safety to issue a photo ID license free of charge to a person who signs an affidavit stating that they do not have a valid government-issued photo identification. The bill directs that these free photo IDs be available at every location in the state where driver licenses or photo identification licenses are issued. The bill also allows a person who qualifies for the free photo ID under this provision to receive it even if they already hold a valid non-photo-bearing driver license. The act would take effect July 1, 2025.

Impact

The bill changes Tennessee Code Annotated § 55-50-336(g) by creating a new no-cost photo identification pathway for individuals without valid government-issued photo ID and by overriding existing provisions that might otherwise require payment or bar issuance to certain license holders. It affects the Department of Safety’s licensing operations statewide and expands access to state-issued photo identification for residents who may need ID for voting, banking, travel, employment verification, or other purposes.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the supplied materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be framed as an access-oriented policy intended to reduce barriers to obtaining identification. The absence of recorded votes or discussion prevents a more specific assessment of legislative sentiment.

Contention

The main potential point of contention is whether the state should waive fees for photo IDs and whether an affidavit-based eligibility standard is sufficient to prevent misuse. Supporters would likely emphasize access for residents lacking acceptable identification, while critics may focus on administrative burden, verification concerns, or the policy implications of issuing free IDs to people who already have a non-photo driver license. No specific individuals or groups are identified in the provided record as taking either side.