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 federal funding withheld from non-compliant states.

Sec. 2, Prohibition on issuance of CDLs to individuals who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States or holders of certain work visas: This section amends existing law to require that, for a state to issue a CDL, 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 and certain travel authorization holders.

Sec. 2(d), Recertification: States must require all current CDL holders to recertify within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Recertification includes verifying U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status (or valid E-2, H-2A, or H-2B visa), English proficiency, and that all required tests were passed in English. States must revoke the license of anyone who fails to recertify or is found not to meet these requirements.

Sec. 2(e), Withholding of covered funding: The Secretary must withhold all federal funding from a state that fails to complete recertifications or revocations by the deadline, or that issues CDLs to individuals who are not citizens, lawful permanent residents, or valid E-2, H-2A, or H-2B visa holders, or that administers tests in a language other than English.