Sponsors (9)
Ask me how I read this bill.
This is not an official government website.
Copyright © 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Bars most noncitizens from obtaining commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or operating commercial motor vehicles unless they are lawful permanent residents or hold specified work visas. Requires states to recertify existing CDL holders within 180 days to verify citizenship or eligible visa status, English proficiency, and that the CDL tests were passed in English; states that do not comply may lose federal transportation funding and face federal disqualification actions. Gives the Secretary of Transportation authority to disqualify individuals who operate commercial vehicles without eligible status and to withhold federal transportation funds from states that fail to recertify, revoke invalid licenses, or issue CDLs to ineligible persons.
The bill prioritizes highway safety and guarding federal transportation funds by enforcing immigration and English‑language eligibility for CDLs, but does so at the cost of large near‑term job losses among immigrant and non‑English‑speaking drivers, substantial state administrative burdens, and a集中f
General public and commercial vehicle operators: states will identify and remove ineligible CDL holders and require English testing, which should reduce unsafe or misqualified drivers on highways and improve safety-critical communication.
Employers and the public: removing ineligible drivers and enforcing legal work status can reduce incidents tied to unauthorized workers and lower legal/liability risks for trucking companies.
State governments, taxpayers, and transportation workers: states that comply keep federal transportation funding, supporting highway, transit, and safety projects and the jobs they create.
State governments and residents: states that fail to meet the 180‑day recertification deadline risk losing all federal transportation funding, potentially delaying or cancelling major highway, transit, and safety projects.
Commercial vehicle operators who are not U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or specified visa holders: many risk immediate CDL revocation within 180 days, threatening jobs, incomes, and livelihoods.
Non‑English‑speaking drivers, shippers, and consumers: requiring CDL exams and recertification only in English will disproportionately disadvantage competent non‑English drivers, shrinking labor supply and raising shipping and consumer costs.
State governments and drivers: the Secretary's authority to withhold all federal transportation funds creates strong federal leverage that could centralize control over state licensing policies and reduce state flexibility.
Establishes the official short title of the Act as "The Dalilah Law."
Defines “commercial driver’s license” by reference to 49 U.S.C. § 31301.
Defines “commercial motor vehicle” by reference to 49 U.S.C. § 31301.
Defines “covered examination” to include CDL knowledge and skills tests and any test required to acquire, maintain, or upgrade a covered license or authorization.
Defines “covered funding” as any funding the Secretary is authorized to provide to a State or for projects/activities in that State under federal law.
Direct effects:
Wider consequences and risks:
Legal and operational uncertainty could lead to litigation, delays, and uneven state-by-state implementation depending on resources and political choices.
Modifies the eligibility criteria language in subsection (a)(12) to require that individuals be citizens or lawful permanent residents or specified nonimmigrant visa holders for issuance/operation related provisions (adds clauses specifying citizenship, lawful permanent residence, or certain nonimmigrant visa statuses).
Adds a new subsection (l) to provide for lifetime disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for individuals who are not citizens, lawful permanent residents, or specified nonimmigrant visa holders (with limited exceptions); also makes minor edits in subsection (d)(2).
Expand sections to see detailed analysis
The Dalilah Law
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced March 3, 2026 by Garland H. Barr · Last progress March 3, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House