Bill would bar non-citizens from holding commercial driver's licenses

What does this do?

HR 7758 would make it illegal for states to issue commercial driver's licenses to people who are not U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or holders of specific work visas. All CDL knowledge and skills tests would be required in English only, and drivers would need to demonstrate English proficiency to obtain or keep a license. Anyone driving a commercial vehicle without meeting these immigration status requirements would be permanently banned from ever receiving a CDL.

Who does it affect?

The bill most directly affects immigrants who currently hold or are working toward a CDL but do not meet the new immigration status requirements, as well as trucking and transportation companies that employ those drivers. States and their licensing agencies would also be significantly affected, facing the administrative burden of recertifying all existing CDL holders within a 180-day window.

Why does it matter?

Drivers who do not recertify within 180 days or fail to meet the new requirements would have their CDLs revoked, which could reduce the available pool of licensed commercial drivers. The trucking, transportation, and freight industries, which depend on commercial drivers, could be affected by the resulting change in the driver workforce.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• States risk losing federal road funding
• Penalty tied to failed recertification
• No dollar amount specified in bill

Where does it stand?