Rep. Dennis Himmelberger, R-Billings, said his proposal would require that examiners determine if a proficiency test was needed before granting a license. They would also need to ascertain the citizenship of all those applying for a license, and note the home country on the license.
The state Department of Justice, which runs driver's license stations, said it is unclear what type of proficiency tests could be used.
The same committee hashing out Himmelberger's bill tabled a plan Monday to penalize employers who hire illegal immigrants amid concern it would be unconstitutional. The House Judiciary Committee didn't take immediate action on the driver's license measure.
Himmelberger, a Billings Republican, told the panel that the state has an interest in making sure everyone can read road signs and communicate with police.
"I think this is going to become almost inevitable, some type of bill like this," he said.
The Department of Justice noted it gives 200 to 300 tests a year in different languages. Additionally, those taking the test are currently allowed to have an interpreter with them during the exam.
The bill, as written, would still allow them to have an interpreter, but they would have to take a different English proficiency test by themselves. It would be up to the examiner to decide if the proficiency test were needed.
Brenda Nordlund, an attorney with the Department of Justice, said it also may be difficult for those taking the test to prove what country they hold citizenship in. Not everyone has a passport or easy access to their birth certificate, she said.
Himmelberger said voters have a great deal of frustration with immigration and expect lawmakers to address the issue this session as best they can.
"It seems to me we need to be talking about it now," he said.
Himmelberger's bill is House Bill 549
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