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119-hr-5863119th CongressWALLET

No CDLs for Illegals Act

Sponsored By: Representative Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

Introduced

Summary

Tightening CDL eligibility and tying federal highway funds to state compliance. This bill would require people applying for commercial driver's licenses to prove citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or valid work authorization and to show they live in the state issuing the license. It also would force states to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program for noncitizen applicants and deny anyone whose lawful presence the SAVE system does not confirm.

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  • CDL applicants: Noncitizen applicants would need SAVE verification of lawful presence and all applicants would need documentation of state domicile before getting a CDL.
  • States: The Department of Transportation could suspend a state’s federal highway apportionments for issuing CDLs in violation of the law and would perform annual compliance reviews. States can regain funds after certifying they fixed problems.
  • Employers and trucking companies: The Secretary of Transportation would issue regulations to fine companies that knowingly hire drivers who lack CDLs that meet the bill’s verification rules.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.

Proof of status to get a CDL

If enacted, you would need to show proof of U.S. citizenship, a green card, or valid work papers to get a CDL. You would also need documents that show you live in the State that issues the license. For non‑citizens, the State would have to run a SAVE check and deny the application if lawful presence is not confirmed. A State would not be allowed to issue a CDL to someone who is not domiciled in that State.

States face reviews and highway fund cuts

If enacted, the Secretary of Transportation would review each State’s CDL rules every year. The Secretary could request documents and data to check compliance. If a State issues CDLs that break the domicile or SAVE rule, the Secretary could suspend that State’s federal highway funds. Funding would return only after the State is certified back in compliance.

Fines for hiring unlicensed commercial drivers

If enacted, the Department of Transportation would set fines for employers who knowingly hire drivers without a valid, compliant CDL. The bill does not set the dollar amounts; DOT would decide them in rules. Trucking firms and other employers could face penalties once those rules take effect.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]

NJ • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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