Senate Bill 1587, also known as House Bill 1706, amends Tennessee law regarding the operation of commercial motor vehicles by individuals unlawfully present in the United States. The bill introduces new provisions that make it an offense for both individuals unlawfully present in the U.S. and those who knowingly allow them to operate commercial vehicles. 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, holding them jointly liable for any resulting personal injury or property damage. The Attorney General is granted the authority to sue employers and state officials for violations, with potential civil penalties of at least one million dollars. Furthermore, the bill allows private citizens to bring qui tam actions on behalf of the state, enabling them to seek damages and penalties for violations. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-50-403