Senate committee advances bill requiring commercial drivers to be lawfully present; carrier penalties included
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Summary
The Florida Senate Committee on Transportation advanced SB 86, which would require commercial motor vehicle drivers operating in Florida to be lawfully present in the U.S., hold a valid CDL, read English and be able to communicate with law enforcement; the bill authorizes vehicle impoundment and civil penalties on carriers and was reported favorably after an adopted amendment.
Senate Bill 86, titled "Commercial motor vehicles operated by unauthorized aliens," was presented to the Florida Senate Committee on Transportation by President Gaetz, who described the measure as aimed at removing "imminent hazards" from state highways and penalizing carriers that fail to vet drivers.
The bill would require commercial motor vehicle drivers on Florida roads to be lawfully present in the United States, hold a valid commercial driver's license, be able to read and understand English, and communicate with law enforcement. Sponsor President Gaetz said the measure allows an officer who encounters an undocumented person operating a commercial vehicle to take that individual into custody and transfer them to federal authorities, and it authorizes vehicle impoundment and civil penalties assessed against the motor carrier.
During questions, Senator Jones asked whether an owner would be responsible for a large civil penalty if a legally licensed driver obtained a license in another country or state. President Gaetz replied the bill "requires due diligence" and that "if you don't vet these drivers...you are responsible, if the truck is impounded." When a member asked about the amount, a line of questioning clarified the civil penalty discussed was $50,000 to be imposed on the carrier.
An amendment (barcode 8155506) was explained and adopted without dissent. William Smith of the Florida Police Benevolent Association waved in support during public testimony. After debate concluded, the committee called the roll and the committee reported CS for SB 86 favorably (6 yes, 3 no).
The committee record shows the bill as amended will proceed to the next legislative step; the amendment and question period clarified carrier liability and the specified civil penalty, and the sponsor tied the measure to highway safety goals.
