Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
On Tuesday, March 3, committees in both chambers of the legislature passed a bill along party lines which would prohibit illegal aliens from operating commercial vehicles in Tennessee.
HB1706/SB1587 not only explicitly prohibits employers from allowing those “not lawfully present” from driving commercial vehicles in the U.S. but also creates a Class A misdemeanor for a person knowingly allowing an illegal to operate a commercial vehicle in the state.
If an illegal is arrested while driving a commercial vehicle, law enforcement would be required to notify immigration authorities.
Additionally, the bill creates civil liabilities for accidents caused by illegal aliens, crafting accountability for employers who knowingly allow illegals on the road and state employees who knowingly issue commercial drivers’ licenses to illegal aliens.
“Many have seen the terrible accidents that have committed and caused by illegals with CDLs over the last couple of months. In fact, just since I presented this bill two weeks ago, there has been a deadly crash in Indiana where an illegal with a CDL ran a red light and caused a fatality. Four days ago in Missouri, an illegal with a CDL was filmed going the wrong way [against traffic] for up to five miles. He received that CDL from Minnesota. And then just three days ago, same situation, State Route 29 in Ohio, an illegal in a semi was filmed going the wrong way,” bill sponsor Rep. Jason Zachary told the committee.
He also presented a list with the 25 most egregious accidents caused by illegals with CDLs that occurred in the second half of 2025 and a list of 10 accidents caused by illegals with CDLs which resulted in fatalities, one of which happened in Putnam County, Tennessee on Dec. 9, 2025.
“It is already a violation of federal law to give an illegal a CDL. So here in Tennessee, we are going to reinforce that. We’re going to ensure the safety of our highways and byways from illegal CDLs.” he concluded.
HB1706 passed out of subcommittee last week with and 8-1 vote and found similar success during Wednesday’s House Transportation Committee meeting. The bill was advanced 15-2 with only Democrats Aftyn Behn and Justin Pearson voting “No”.
It will now move to the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee.
SB1587 was heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee where it was passed 7-2 with Democrats Sara Kyle and London Lamar voting against.
The Senate version will now also proceed to its Finance, Ways, and Means Committee.
HB1706/SB1587 will likely be heard in the House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee and the Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee next week. Find contact information for the members below.
House Finance, Ways, and Means Subcommittee – HB1706 will likely be heard next week
HB1706 explicitly prohibits employers from allowing those “not lawfully present” from driving commercial vehicles in the U.S. & creates a Class A misdemeanor for a person knowingly allowing an illegal to operate a commercial vehicle in the state.
Rep.ryan.williams@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kip.capley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jesse.chism@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mark.cochran@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.crawford@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.gant@capitol.tn.gov; rep.john.gillespie@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gary.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tim.hicks@capitol.tn.gov; rep.antonio.parkinson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lee.reeves@capitol.tn.gov; rep.johnny.shaw@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.zachary@capitol.tn.gov
Senate Finance, Ways, and Means Committee – SB1587 will likely be heard next week
SB1587 explicitly prohibits employers from allowing those “not lawfully present” from driving commercial vehicles in the U.S. & creates a Class A misdemeanor for a person knowingly allowing an illegal to operate a commercial vehicle in the state.
Sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov; sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jack.johnson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov; sen.bill.powers@capitol.tn.gov; sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov; sen.page.walley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ken.yager@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Thanx, emailed committees, “Please vote YES!!”