Debate heats up over driver’s license test bill




POSTED April 11, 2010 11:10 p.m.


Supporters of a bill before the Georgia legislature that would require that driver’s license exams be given only in English say the measure would improve public safety. Opponents say it discriminates against legal immigrants.


The bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Jack Murphy, chairman of the public safety committee, says drivers need to have at least a basic knowledge of English so they can read roadside warnings and communicate with police in an emergency.

Immigrant rights and civil liberties groups say the law has so many exceptions that it instead would discourage potential foreign investment.


“The opponents of this bill are trying to paint this as a discrimination bill, which is not true,â€