Republican state senator Chuck Payne. Photo: Senate website.

Chattanooga Free Press

After vote against immigration ID, Georgia state senator faces challenge from right

After opposing a bill to create a separate driver’s license for some immigrants, state Sen. Chuck Payne faces competition in the Republican primary.

Payne, R-Dalton, voted down a bill in the Senate Public Safety Committee that would have created a new “Driver’s Safety Card” for immigrants who hold work permits but do not have lawful status. It would be an alternative to a driver’s license and only last as long as the work permit. They would also say “NO LAWFUL STATUS” and “NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR OFFICIAL PURPOSES.”

With Payne’s vote, the bill died in committee, 5-4, on Feb. 21. He and state Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick voted with three Democrats to kill the legislation. The supporters were all Republicans…. Here.