Opinion mixed on license rules
By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Alabama lawmakers, including Franklin County's representatives, have mixed feelings about possible legislation that would require driver's license exams to be given only in English.
State Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale, plans legislation that would limit the tests to English. The state currently administers driver's license exams in 14 languages.
A survey conducted by the Associated Press shows that legislators are split on the idea and it is not based on party lines.
The survey found that about half the legislators agree with the measure.
"If there is a bill I would support it," State Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow said.
"If all the road signs and everything they see on the highways are in English and someone can't read them, that becomes a hazard."
When legislators were asked about Beason's bill, 48 percent of the Senate supported it, while 35 percent were opposed and 17 percent were undecided, according to the Associated Press.
In the House, 51 percent supported it, 30 percent were opposed, and 19 percent were undecided.
The survey was answered by 83 percent of the Senate and 72 percent of House members.
The next legislative session begins Feb. 5.
The survey shows that Beason's bill has significant support, but it is still short of the 60 percent vote necessary to pass before the Legislature completes the state budgets.
Work on the state budgets is usually not completed until the closing days of the legislative session.
State Sen. Roger Bedford said he is opposed to any legislation that makes Alabama unwelcoming to foreign companies.
"I understand people's concerns with illegal immigrants, but we also have to understand that Alabama is the international home of dozens of corporations," Bedford said.
"We want to be seen as having a pro-corporate environment. It may seem anti-business and hurt the image of the state if those people are here and they can't even drive on our roads."
Some lawmakers believe the bill would hurt the state's chances of attracting top international scientists and physicians.
"We want these people to feel welcomed and have reasons to come to Alabama, not reasons not to come," Bedford said.
