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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
Three more immigration-related bills have been signed by Governor Bill Lee, officially making them Tennessee law. Two will take effect on July 1, 2026, while the third can only go into effect with an act of Congress or new federal regulation.
HB1706– Prohibits Illegal Aliens From Operating Commercial Vehicles In Tennessee
Under this legislation, those “not lawfully present” are explicitly prohibited from driving commercial vehicles, creating a Class A misdemeanor for the illegal driver and a direct employer who knowingly allows an illegal alien to operate a commercial vehicle in the state.
If an illegal alien encounters law enforcement while driving a commercial vehicle, officers would be required to turn the individual over to 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 employees of any state who knowingly issue commercial drivers’ licenses to illegal aliens.
SB1706 was signed by Gov. Lee on May 22 and will take effect July 1.
HB1710– Citizenship Checks for Tennessee State Benefits Applicants
Sponsored by Rep. Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro-District 36) and Sen. Ed Jackson (R-Jackson-District 25), this bill will require all state and local governments and county health departments to verify the citizenship or legal residency in the U.S. of anyone who is 18 years or older applying for taxpayer-funded public benefits.
If applicants do not present appropriate documentation to prove citizenship, they must be reported to the state’s Centralized Immigration Enforcement Division, and local agencies that fail to comply could be subject to investigation by the Attorney General and potentially funding cuts.
Additionally, public employees who do not comply with the requirements could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
HB1710 was also signed by the governor on May 22 and takes effect July 1.
HB1817– Commercial Drivers Must Read and Speak English
According to this bill, a law enforcement officer will be required to issue an out-of-service order if a commercial driver is found not to be fluent in English. The license would remain suspended and a substitute driver who is proficient in English would take over operation of the vehicle until the original driver takes and passes the written commercial driver license test in English.
While HB1817 was signed by Gov. Lee on May 22, per the amended language, the legislation can only take effect if “either legislation is passed by the United States Congress, or a regulation is promulgated by the United States Department of Transportation that authorizes state action contemplated by this act without jeopardizing receipt of federal funds.”
It is currently unclear if such a federal regulation has been established and will allow the law to take effect after the required 90-day notice or if Tennessee is still waiting on federal action before this provision can be implemented.
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.
