H.R. 7793: The Dalilah Law

This bill, known as "The Dalilah Law," proposes several restrictions regarding the issuance of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) in the United States. The main provisions of the bill are outlined as follows:

1. Eligibility for Commercial Driver’s Licenses

The bill determines who is eligible to obtain a commercial driver's license. It states that only the following individuals can receive a CDL:

• Citizens of the United States
• Lawful permanent residents
• Holders of specific nonimmigrant work visas as defined under U.S. immigration law.

2. Prohibition on Issuance of Licenses

The bill prohibits states from issuing CDLs to individuals who do not meet the above criteria. If a state issues a CDL to someone not eligible, that license may be subject to revocation.

3. Recertification Requirements

States will be required to recertify all individuals who hold a current CDL within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This recertification process will include:

• Verification of the individual’s citizenship or residency status.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Passing all relevant examinations for the CDL.

4. Penalties for Noncompliance

The bill establishes that states that do not comply with the recertification process or continue to issue licenses contrary to the law will face penalties, including the withholding of federal funding designated for highways and transportation projects.

5. Disqualification for Unauthorized Operation

Individuals caught operating a commercial motor vehicle without being eligible (i.e., without the necessary citizenship, residency, or visa status) will be disqualified from operating such vehicles for life. Exceptions are provided for certain nonimmigrant visa holders under specific conditions.

6. Funding Provisions

The bill outlines that federal funding will be withheld from states that fail to meet the recertification deadlines or have issued CDLs to ineligible individuals. This includes:

• Withholding funds for failure to complete recertifications.
• Withholding funds for failure to revoke licenses that were improperly issued.
• Withholding funds for failure to verify the eligibility status of applicants.

7. Language and Examination Requirements

The bill mandates that all examinations required for CDLs be conducted in English, and it disallows the issuance of CDLs to individuals who are not proficient in the English language.

Relevant Companies

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