NASHVILLE (AP) — A proposal requiring Tennessee to give free photo identification cards to people 18 and older is advancing in the Senate.

The measure sponsored by Senate Democratic Caucus Chairman Lowe Finney of Jackson unanimously passed the Senate Transportation Committee 8-0 on Wednesday. The companion bill is awaiting a vote in the same committee in the House.

Currently, voters do not have to show photo identification at the polls, but a measure was proposed earlier this session that would require it.

If that passes, Finney says his proposal is needed to avoid any legal challenges. He says not offering free identification could be "construed as an unnecessary burden" on a person's right to vote.