NASHVILLE – A bill sponsored by State Senator Lowe Finney (D-Jackson) to provide free photo identification cards to Tennesseans of voting age passed unanimously in a Senate committee Wednesday.
“I am encouraged that we are on a path to ensuring that everyone who is eligible to vote in Tennessee will have this fundamental right protected,” Finney said. “Tennessee has been known throughout history for its leadership in expanding voting rights. Now is no time to take a step backward.”
Senate Bill 1384 would require that, should photo identification be needed to vote in Tennessee, such ID cards would be provided free of charge to those who do not otherwise have an ID or photo drivers license. Earlier this session, Senate lawmakers passed a bill (SB0016) that would require photo identification at the polls.
Finney voted against the original photo ID bill, stating that he was concerned it would disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of Tennessee seniors, disabled voters and those that could not afford such identification cards.
“The original bill is the equivalent of a modern-day poll tax that would take away the right to vote from our citizens, and could welcome a lawsuit that will cost Tennessee taxpayers millions,” Finney said. “This legislation will help avoid both.”
The bill will now go to the Senate Finance, Ways and Means Committee.