The Dalilah Law

This bill prohibits states from issuing commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to individuals who are not U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or holders of specific work visas (E-2, H-2A, or H-2B nonimmigrant visas). It also requires states to recertify all existing CDL holders within 180 days and revoke licenses of those who fail to meet citizenship, English proficiency, or testing requirements, with penalties including withholding of federal funding.

Sec. 2, Prohibition on issuance of CDLs to non-citizens or non-permanent residents: The bill amends federal law to require that, for a state to issue a CDL or commercial learner's permit, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or a nonimmigrant holding a valid E-2, H-2A, or H-2B visa. It also adds a lifetime disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for anyone who drives one while not meeting these status requirements, with exceptions for B visa holders or those with certain travel authorizations.

Sec. 2, Recertification: Within 180 days of the bill's enactment, states must recertify all existing CDL holders, verifying that they are citizens, permanent residents, or eligible visa holders, are proficient in English, and have passed all required tests in English. States must revoke the license of anyone who fails to recertify or is found not to meet these requirements.

Sec. 2, Withholding of federal funding: The Secretary of Transportation must withhold all federal funding from any state that fails to complete the required recertifications or revocations by the deadline, or that issues new CDLs to individuals who are not citizens, permanent residents, or eligible visa holders, or that issues CDLs to individuals not proficient in English or administers tests in a language other than English.