New bill would require procedural audits for all states still issuing non-domiciled CDLs

A Wyoming Congresswoman has introduced a bill that would require audits for all states still issuing non-domiciled CDLs

The Strengthening Transportation Oversight and Preventing (STOP) Improper Licensing Act was introduced by Congresswoman Harriet Hageman on August 20th with the goal of clearing “America’s highway of hazardous drivers.” The bill would require federal safety regulators to perform an audit on states issuing non-domiciled CDLs to ensure all licenses are being issued legally and to qualified drivers. 

“Non-domiciled CDLs historically have been issued by states to individuals who are not permanent residents but maintain legal authorization to work in the country. Unfortunately, before the Trump Administration, several states failed to follow proper protocol, wrongfully issuing thousands of non-domiciled CDLs to ineligible foreign drivers lacking proper qualifications or training,” read a press release from the office of Hageman. 

“Wyoming truckers earn every credential they carry. They train, test, and follow the law,” said Rep. Hageman. “Other states hand out CDLs to illegal aliens, and families pay for that failure with their lives. My bill requires regulators to review the books and clean up America’s highways after years of unchecked immigration flooded the nation with thousands of unqualified drivers.” 

The STOP Improper Licensing Act would require the FMCSA to review a random sampling of non-domiciled CDLs from every state; target the non-domiciled CDLs issued without reviewing the drivers legal status and those licenses that remained active after that legal status expired; publish all findings and report them to Congress; allow states 60 days to resolve any found issues with the potential for repeat audits; removal of all FMCSA funding for any states that refuse to comply. 

“Effective enforcement begins with accurate data. By requiring audits of non-domiciled commercial driver’s license issuance procedures, the STOP Improper Licensing Act will help federal and state officials identify gaps in compliance, improve oversight, and ensure licensing standards are applied consistently,” said TCA’s Senior Vice President of Safety and Government Affairs, David Heller.