Motor Vehicles - As enacted, adds certain language comprehension requirements for certain driver licenses; requires documentation as a U.S. citizen or lawfully permitted in the U.S. for certain vehicle registrations; requires documentation as a U.S. citizen for certain driving and related licenses. - Amends TCA Title 55, Chapter 4; Title 55, Chapter 50 and Title 65, Chapter 15.
SB 1889 requires non-English speaking applicants for driver's licenses to receive a one-year restricted license valid only for travel to school, work, or medical appointments. To obtain a full license afterward, they must retake the written exam in English without aids. The bill also mandates that vehicle registration applicants provide proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or authorized temporary status, with a Tennessee driver's license serving as acceptable proof. These changes apply to all new license applicants and vehicle registrations starting July 1, 2026.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2026
Last action May 18, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
19
Key actions
12
Committee
13
Apr 21, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 9, Nays 2 PNV 0
upper
Apr 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/20/2026
lower
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee calendar for 4/21/2026
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee Ayes 7, Nays 1 PNV 1
upper
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Transportation and Safety Committee to 3/11/2026
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/11/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Transportation and Safety Committee to 3/4/2026
lower
Feb 25, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Action deferred in Senate Transportation and Safety Committee to 2/25/2026
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 2/25/2026
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 2/18/2026
lower
Feb 2, 2026
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety Committee
upper
Jan 22, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Brent Taylor
RRepublican
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