The State Senate approved a bill last night that aims to make driver’s license tests in English only. Murfreesboro Republican Bill Ketron amended his bill to also allow Spanish, Korean and Japanese tests, which the Department of Safety already offers.

Ketron won’t call it a compromise.

“It’s speaking on behalf of what the people of Tennessee want … they want to know that this is English-only, take the test in English only. I amended it to allow those other languages.”

The bill passed the Senate twenty-two to five with several Democratic votes. Governor Phil Bredesen has suggested the bill is merely a political stunt. Ketron predicts the House will pass the legislation, though its currently waiting on action by the Transportation Committee.

Ketron led Republicans last year in campaigning against illegal immigration. Although the driver’s license bill only affects legal visitors, Ketron says it sets the tone for other bills that are coming this session.