Bill > SB1587

This bill makes it a Class A misdemeanor, a serious criminal offense, for any person unlawfully present in the United States to operate a commercial motor vehicle in Tennessee, which requires a commercial driver's license. It also makes a "direct employer"—meaning the entity that hires, pays, and directly supervises the driver—guilty of an offense if they knowingly employ and allow such a person to drive a commercial vehicle. If a law enforcement officer arrests someone for violating these provisions, their agency must notify federal immigration authorities, either through a specific federal program (287(g)) or by contacting the state's centralized immigration enforcement division. Furthermore, the bill establishes strict liability for direct employers and state officials who recklessly issue commercial driver's licenses to individuals unlawfully present in the U.S., meaning they can be held fully responsible for any personal injury or property damage caused by that person's driving, and victims can recover compensatory and punitive damages, along with court costs and attorney fees. The bill defines "unlawfully present in the United States" as someone not in lawful immigration status, including those who entered without authorization or whose legal status has expired or been revoked. It also clarifies that this liability does not extend to entities that merely contract for transportation services but do not directly employ the driver. The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.