What is Dalilah’s Law?
Dalilah’s Law is proposed federal legislation that would establish stricter requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The proposed legislation would change CDL eligibility and qualification requirements, including English-language proficiency requirements and additional verification for CDL holders. It would also limit CDL eligibility to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain qualifying visa holders.

The legislation is named after Dalilah Coleman, a young girl who was severely injured in California in June 2024 when her family’s stopped car was struck by a commercial 18-wheeler truck being driven by an undocumented immigrant who held a California-issued commercial driver’s license. The six-vehicle pileup left Dalilah with life-altering injuries. The incident and Dalilah’s injuries became part of the broader discussion of trucking safety and CDL qualifications.

What is the main purpose of Dalilah’s Law?
The main purpose of Dalilah’s Law is to improve trucking safety by strengthening CDL requirements, regulations, and qualifications. The proposed legislation aims to ensure that CDL drivers are properly vetted and qualified, with the goal of reducing unsafe trucking practices and making the CDL system more accountable. It would place a greater emphasis on verifying drivers’ qualifications and their ability to meet federal and state requirements before they can obtain or maintain a CDL. The law also aims to reduce the impact of fraud, including CDL mills, which are operations that help individuals obtain a CDL without going through the proper training process.

What is the current status of Dalilah’s Law?
There are currently three proposed versions of Dalilah’s Law being considered by Congress: two in the House of Representatives and one in the Senate. One of the House versions has been approved by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and is now awaiting consideration by the full House of Representatives. While the versions address many of the same issues, some of their proposed requirements differ. If a version of the legislation is approved by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President of the United States, it would become federal law and take effect.

What would Dalilah’s Law change?
If passed, Dalilah’s Law would make several changes to CDL requirements and regulations.

  • CDLs would be limited to qualifying U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or those with qualifying work visas.
  • CDL skills and knowledge tests would be administered only in English, with an English-language proficiency portion added to the exam.
  • If law enforcement determines that a driver does not demonstrate the required level of English proficiency, the driver could be placed out of service, prohibiting them from continuing to operate the vehicle.
  • Some versions would require CDL training providers to verify that they meet federal requirements and recertify under the new requirements.

How could Dalilah’s Law affect the broader trucking industry?
Because of the proposed changes to CDL eligibility requirements, Dalilah’s Law could reduce the number of drivers available to the trucking industry. A smaller pool of available drivers could contribute to tighter freight capacity, higher shipping costs, and labor shortages. Additionally, the proposed changes to CDL training provider requirements could reduce fraudulent or inadequate training practices within the industry, which could help ensure drivers receive the proper training required to operate commercial vehicles safely.

How could Dalilah’s Law impact current CDL drivers?
Some versions of Dalilah’s Law could require current CDL holders to recertify within 180 days of the law taking effect. This would include drivers reverifying their legal status and English language proficiency. States would also be prohibited from issuing CDLs to individuals who do not meet the proposed legal status requirements. Drivers who do not meet the new requirements could be unable to maintain or renew their CDL.

What could Dalilah’s Law mean for trucking carriers?
Dalilah’s Law could require carriers to review their hiring and compliance procedures to ensure they align with the new requirements. Additionally, the potentially reduced pool of CDL truck drivers could impact a carrier’s ability to recruit and hire qualified drivers. This could make it more challenging for some carriers to fill open driving positions and maintain their current staffing levels.