Panel approves bill allowing officers to request lawful‑presence proof from commercial drivers

Senators considered SB 15‑11, which would prohibit the operation of a commercial motor vehicle in Arizona unless the operator can provide evidence of lawful presence in the United States. The bill allows law enforcement officers to request proof during stops and authorizes impoundment of a commercial vehicle and its cargo until the owner clears citations.

Sponsor Senator Frank Carroll outlined historical reasons for stricter checks on commercial operators—liability, the risk of contraband, and the ability of non‑domiciled drivers to evade enforcement. He described distinctions among license categories, including non‑domicile and limited‑term CDLs, and pointed to recent federal efforts to review improperly issued non‑domicile CDLs.

Opponents questioned enforcement mechanics and potential economic effects; senators asked how the measure would avoid racial profiling and how it would affect cross‑border commerce. Supporters argued the bill targets drivers stopped for valid reasons rather than random pulls and cited federal and state DOT oversight. The committee voted to give SB 15‑11 a do‑pass recommendation (4 ayes, 3 noes).