The Missouri House lawmakers gave their initial approval Wednesday March 9, 2011 to a bill that would require the state's driver's license exams be offered in only English.
Supporters said the measure would ensure that license applicants can read English road signs and would streamline the state's driver's license tests, which are currently offered in a dozen languages, including Spanish, Chinese and Bosnian.
Opponents, including the Kansas/Missouri Dream Alliance, said the change would hurt immigrants and the state's global competitiveness.
House Bill 167, sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nolte, District 33 (Clay county), R-Gladstone, needs one more House vote before moving to the Senate. Clay County is part of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
The House Transportation Committee previously approved the legislation by a vote of 8-3 in February.
A similar measure proposed by Rep. Cynthia Davis, R-O'Fallon, failed last year.
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