NASHVILLE (AP) — Legislation that clarifies when small businesses in Tennessee can require their employees to speak English only in the workplace is advancing in the House.

The measure sponsored by Rep. Matthew Hill, a Jonesborough Republican, was unanimously passed on to the House Consumer and Employee Affairs Committee on Wednesday.

There are federal guidelines on the issue. But Hill said his measure would codify that language into state law and make it clear that English only can be required "if it is deemed as a business necessity, or for workplace safety."

The measure failed last year, but Hill said he's optimistic about its chances this year because of the unanimous vote.

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