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119-hr-7758119th CongressWALLET

The Dalilah Law

Sponsored By: Representative Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]

In Committee

Summary

Would limit commercial driver's licenses to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and a narrow set of nonimmigrant work-visa holders. It would force States to recertify existing CDL holders, require English-language testing and proficiency, and let the federal government withhold covered federal funding from States that do not comply.

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  • Drivers and noncitizen license-holders: All holders of covered licenses would have to recertify within 180 days to confirm citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or qualifying nonimmigrant visa status, plus English proficiency and that covered exams were passed in English. Failure to recertify or meet the rules would trigger revocation and individuals who operate a commercial motor vehicle while unauthorized face lifetime disqualification.
  • States and licensing agencies: States would need to verify immigration status and visa validity for new and renewed CDLs, including non-domiciled CDLs. Missing recertification deadlines, failing to revoke ineligible licenses, issuing licenses to unauthorized people, or allowing exams in languages other than English would let the Secretary withhold all covered federal funding to that State.
  • Licensing and enforcement rules: The bill adds a new lifetime disqualification for operating a commercial motor vehicle while not an authorized resident or visa holder, while preserving narrow exceptions for the specific nonimmigrant categories and valid travel authorizations named in the text.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

New CDL rules and recertification

This bill would set who can get and keep a commercial driver’s license (CDL). States would have to recertify every current CDL holder within 180 days of enactment. Recertification would have to verify U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, or a specified nonimmigrant status with a valid, unexpired visa. States would also have to verify English proficiency as described in 49 C.F.R. §391.11(b)(2) (as in effect on enactment) and that all covered CDL exams were passed in English. If a driver fails to recertify or is found not to meet these checks, the State would have to revoke the CDL. The bill would also create a lifetime ban on operating commercial motor vehicles for anyone who drives while lacking the required status, with narrow exceptions for certain nonimmigrant visa holders and for people with a valid travel authorization and admission record. The bill would define key terms like "commercial driver's license," "covered examination," and "non-domiciled CDL" on enactment.

Federal funding can be withheld

This bill would let the Secretary withhold all "covered funding" from any State that fails to follow the new CDL rules. Funding could be withheld if a State issues covered licenses to people who are not proficient in English or who lack the required immigration status. Funding could also be withheld if a State gives any covered exam in a language other than English. If a State misses the required recertifications or the required revocations by the deadlines, funding could be withheld starting in the next fiscal year after those deadlines. "Covered funding" means any funding the Secretary may provide to a State or for a project in that State under federal law.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Barr, Andy [R-KY-6]

KY • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Stauber, Pete [R-MN-8]

    MN • R

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]

    GA • R

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2]

    TN • R

    Sponsored 3/3/2026

  • Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2026

  • Rep. Kelly, Mike [R-PA-16]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 3/5/2026

  • Rep. Obernolte, Jay [R-CA-23]

    CA • R

    Sponsored 3/9/2026

  • Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7]

    WI • R

    Sponsored 3/19/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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