Local IDs no longer accepted in Tennessee

Gov. Bill Haslam has signed off on a measure that would prohibit local officials from issuing their own forms of identification.

The measure initially sought to prevent state and local officials from accepting consular IDs, which are commonly used to verify identity and help the Mexican government track its citizens for tax purposes.

Officials are prohibited from accepting locally issued forms of identification, including student IDs and library cards, for the purpose of establishing identity.

But the provisions related to consular IDs were removed on the final day of the legislative session.

“I never intended this to particularly target any single group and I became aware in the midst of this that it would,” said Sen. Mark Green, the bill’s sponsor. “I changed my own bill.”

Green said the final version of the measure was the result of bipartisan efforts. Critics previously warned the legislation would strain law enforcement officials and threaten Tennessee’s relationship with Mexico.

In 2017, Mexico was the third largest importer of goods made in Tennessee and the second largest exporter — behind only Canada — of goods to the Volunteer State, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sponsors of the proposal previously admitted that while there was no current problem in Tennessee, they wanted to stave off any potential issues in the future.

When the measure was under consideration in a House committee, Rep. Johnny Shaw, D-Bolivar, said he received a phone call from someone threatening physical violence unless he voted in favor of the proposal.

The governor signed the measure into law on Monday. It immediately becomes effective.

Reach Joel Ebert at jebert@tennessean.com or 615-772-1681 and on Twitter @joelebert29.