Senate Bill 1587 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 55, Chapter 50, to address the issue of unlawful presence in the United States concerning commercial motor vehicle operations. The bill introduces new provisions that make it an offense for individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. to operate a commercial motor vehicle, as well as for employers to knowingly allow such individuals to do so. Violations of these provisions are classified as Class A misdemeanors. Additionally, law enforcement officers are required to notify federal immigration authorities when arresting individuals for these offenses.

The bill also establishes strict liability for employers and state officials who permit unlawfully present individuals to operate commercial vehicles or issue them commercial driver licenses. It allows the Attorney General to sue for civil penalties, including a minimum of one million dollars for each violation, and provides a mechanism for private individuals to bring qui tam actions on behalf of the state. These actions can result in significant financial penalties and damages for personal injury or property damage caused by unlawfully present individuals operating commercial vehicles. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-50-403