NASHVILLE – Gov. Phil Bredesen’s proposed $2 per year increase for a state driver’s license raced through a key House subcommittee today.
House Budget Subcommittee members approved the bill, sponsored by Transportation Committee Chairman Bill Harmon, D-Dunlap, on a voice vote with no debate.
Instead of being valid for five years, a driver’s license would be good for eight years under the legislation. Overall fees would go from $19.50 every five years to $46 every eight years.
It has been 22 years since license fees last went up, officials say.
The bill would raise an estimated $21.9 million in its first year with much of the money going toward keeping 85 state troopers and 56 driver license station workers from being laid off.