Panel approves bill that would bar unauthorized aliens from operating commercial trucks, impose fines and impound vehicles

Senator Gates presented SB 86 as a public-safety measure, saying recent crashes involving drivers in the country illegally have killed Floridians and describing the bill as intended to “remove an imminent hazard from our road highways.” Gates told the committee the bill would require commercial drivers to be lawfully present in the U.S., hold a valid CDL, understand and read English, and be able to communicate with law enforcement.

Gates said the bill would allow law enforcement to impound commercial vehicles when an unauthorized person is discovered operating them, permit the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue an out-of-service order, and assess a $50,000 penalty on the motor carrier, with penalties credited to a Transportation Safety Trust Fund “used for training and technology to enforce these provisions.” He said impound and property procedures would follow current law.

Vice Chair Osgood and Senator Arrington asked practical questions about what happens to impounded trucks and perishable cargo. Gates responded that current impound procedures would apply and perishable goods would be disposed of in a sanitary fashion if needed. One appearance form registered opposition (Vance Aarons). After debate the committee voted to report SB 86 favorably.