Georgia Drives Closer to English-only License Testing

Georgia is moving towards becoming the first state in the country to mandate English-only tests for driver's licenses. And members of the business community are worried that the proposal could cost the state money in commerce.

The plan would require English only tests for permanent driver's licenses. Right now, the state offers individual driver's license tests in 12 languages other than English. But Republican Senator Jack Murphy is concerned that people who can't read the signs written in English are driving in harm's way. He says that's all Senate Bill 67 aims to fix.

"It is purely a safety issue. It has not a anti-immigrant bill and I take exception to the people that're saying that."

One of the people criticizing the bill is Peter Isbister, who's with the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. He says the bill could have a chilling effect on economic development in Georgia, tempting businesses to look elsewhere for expansion. Issbisster points to the city of Nashville, Tennessee, where a similar proposal was rejected.

"When we see foreign investors comparing and evaluating where they want to where to go, where they want to invest, I think the message that Nashville is sending is a much more attractive one than Georgia will be sending with this bill."

That's why Issbister and other opponents of the bill wore stickers that read "SB67 equals Kia, Go Home."

Korean auto-maker Kia Motors plans to open a 2,200-acre manufacturing plant in West Point later this year.

Helen Kim is with the Korean American Coalition in Atlanta. She says the bill is sending the wrong message to:

"...hard-working families and individuals that live here - Korean and other immigrant citizens and residents, but especially to these international companies like Kia and Sandy Corporation that have been courted actively by the state to come here, bring jobs, invest money." 

Right now, about 5,000 people per month request testing in a language other than English, according to the Georgia Department of Driver Services. If the bill does become law, temporary driving permits could still be given in another language.

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Lawmaker wants harsher penalties for no-license drivers

Some Georgia lawmakers want stiffer penalties for those who drive without a license...including prison time for a fourth offense. The bill sponsored by Senator John Wiles of Kennesaw is causing a stir because some believe it's deliberately aimed at illegal immigrants.

Atlanta attorney Charles Kuck specializes in immigration issues. He said, “This bill is squarely aimed at people that the state legislature believes should leave the state which would be the folks who are presently illegal in the United States."

Jerry Gonzalez is with the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials. He said the bill could also impact Georgia's economy and create an unflattering image for the state.

“That’s not what we want Georgia to be known for,” Gonzalez said. “It’s going to hurt us attracting foreign investment into our state. If it does move forward then Gov. Perdue needs to weigh that very seriously.”

Lawmakers in favor of the bill say it's a way to cut down on traffic deaths which often involve unlicensed drivers.

Perdue vetoes tougher penalties for unlicensed drivers

Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed 41 bills Wednesday. One of them would have increased penalties for driving without a valid state license.

Under the bill, motorists caught without valid Georgia driver's licenses would spend at least two days in prison, and pay at least $500 in fines, unless a judge waived the penalties.

"I fear an unintended consequence of this legislation, as drafted, would subject persons with valid out-of-state driver's licenses to stout criminal penalties even absent the commission of a willful act," Perdue said in a release explaining his vetoes.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. John Wiles (R-Marietta), says he's "extremely disappointed."

"It's an important bill that addresses a real problem throughout the state," Wiles said. "People who have never had a driver's license are driving in Georgia and, in fact, killing Georgia citizens."

Immigrants' rights groups, however, are applauding the governor's veto.

"We agree with the Governor that SB 15 would have had many unintended consequences, similar to the arrest and detention of the Canadian tourist recently in Brunswick, Georgia," said Jerry Gonzalez, director of the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials, in a written statement. "Comprehensive immigration reform is moving in our U.S. Congress and will solve the issue of unlicensed drivers among the undocumented immigrant population."

Wiles says his bill does not target any group in particular. He’s vowing to revive his legislation next year.