By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – An Associated Press survey of Alabama legislators found about half supports passage of a law requiring the Alabama driver's exam be given in English only, but the opposition may be strong enough to keep it from getting on the Legislature's work agenda.
Gardendale Republican Senator Scott Beason plans to sponsor legislation that would end Alabama's practice of giving the driver's exam in 14 languages. He would limit it to English only.
When the AP asked legislators about Beason's bill, 50 percent of the Senate supported it, while 32 percent were opposed and 18 percent were undecided. In the House, 51 percent supported it, 30 percent were opposed, and 19 percent were undecided.
The survey was answered by 80 percent of the Senate and 72 percent of the House.
The survey shows that while Beason's bill has significant support, it currently lacks the 60 percent necessary to pass before the Legislature completes the state budgets.
Legislators begin their next session on February 5th.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)