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Bredesen Signs Driver's License, Elderly
Protection Bills
By Amber McDowell, The Review Appeal
June 7, 2004
Tougher penalties for abuse of the elderly and tighter driver's licensing requirements for immigrants became laws with Gov. Phil Bredesen's signature.
The so-called "Elder Tennessee's' Protection Act of 2004" was hailed with a special Capitol Hill ceremony Wednesday, along with another bill designating several segments of state highways as the "Purple Heart Trail" in honor of wounded soldiers.
Legislation that revamped a controversial state policy that let illegal immigrants obtain driver's licenses was signed without public fanfare late last week.
Whether a bill is signed into law in public depends on if a ceremony is requested by its legislative sponsor or deemed appropriate by the governor and his staff. Both of the Wednesday signings were requested by lawmakers, Bredesen spokeswoman Lydia Lenker said.
Under the driver's license bill, illegal immigrants would only be able to get "certificates for driving"- instead of the traditional driver's license currently offered- beginning July 1.
Bredesen, whose administration developed the bill's language, says he's trying to balance homeland security concerns with public safety.
"It makes sure that even people who are here illegally have the opportunity to go in and be tested and get a legitimate license to drive, which enhances safety and at the same time is not providing Tennessee identification to people who may be here under questionable circumstances," Bredesen said.
The elder protection bill would increase jail times for people arrested for physically or abusing an "adult of advanced age." It also calls for a toll-free hot line to report neglect and abuse that would be posted in hospitals, nursing homes, community centers and doctor's offices.
"This bill will protect the people of Tennessee, our senior citizens," said Rep. Dennis Ferguson, D-Kingston, who sponsored the measure in the House. "They deserve to be protected."
The legislation signed Wednesday was among the first of a large number of bills approved this session by the General Assembly that Bredesen must decide to sign, let become law without his signature, or veto. He has 10 days from the time the legislation reaches his office to make a decision.
"I have not looked through them (all) carefully yet," Bredesen said. "But I do not know today of any bill that I have an opposition to."
Earlier this week, Bredesen signed a bill to equalize teacher pay between poor and rural school districts, as ordered by the state Supreme Court.
Bills still awaiting Bredesen's signature include the budget for the 2004-05 fiscal year; legislation overhauling the state's workers compensation system; another requiring the installation of sprinkler systems in all nursing homes; and a bill mandating motorists and front seat passengers use seat belts while traveling state roads.
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