A resolution requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to require the Tennessee Tower location of the Driver License Issuance Division of the Department of Safety to process photo identification license applications for first time applicants.

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council has made a commitment to address the serious problem of chronic homelessness within the Nashville area through the creation of the Homelessness Commission as part of the Metropolitan Department of Social Services; and

WHEREAS, many homeless persons lack the necessary identification to be able to obtain gainful employment and necessary services; and

WHEREAS, Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-50-336 allows any person eighteen years of age and older to obtain a photo identification license from the Department of Safety, which is restricted for identification purposes only; and

WHEREAS, first time applicants for a state photo identification license in Davidson County must visit one of the suburban driver testing stations in order for their application to be processed; and

WHEREAS, most of the homeless persons within Nashville and Davidson County are in the immediate downtown area; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Department of Safety provide a convenient place within the downtown Nashville area for homeless persons to obtain a state photo identification license.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly to require the Tennessee Tower location of the Driver License Issuance Division of the Department of Safety to process photo identification license applications for first time applicants.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Mike Jameson