Trucking news and briefs for Monday, Aug. 24, 2026:
New bill would require FMCSA to audit states’ non-domiciled CDLs
U.S. Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-Wyoming) this week introduced new legislation that would require federal regulators to audit states issuing non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to “illegal aliens and unqualified drivers,” according to a press release from Hageman’s office.
While text of the newly introduced “Strengthening Transportation Oversight and Preventing (STOP) Improper Licensing Act” was not immediately available, Hageman said her bill would:
- Require the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to review a random sample of non-domiciled CDLs in every state
- Target non-domiciled CDLs issued without checking legal status and those that stayed active after that status expired
- Require the findings to be published and reported to Congress
- Give failing states 60 days to fix the problem, with repeat audits for the worst offenders
- Cut off all FMCSA funding to any state that refuses to comply
[Related: Lawmaker looks to increase FMCSA oversight of non-domiciled CDL applicants]
"Wyoming truckers earn every credential they carry,” Hageman said in introducing the bill. “They train, test, and follow the law. Other states hand out CDLs to illegal aliens, and families pay for that failure with their lives. My bill requires regulators to review the books and clean up America’s highways after years of unchecked immigration flooded the nation with thousands of unqualified drivers.”
Several trucking associations, including the American Trucking Associations, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and Truckload Carriers Association, have voiced support for the legislation.
“A CDL represents a promise that a professional truck driver is fully vetted, trained, and in full compliance with federal standards,” said ATA SVP of Legislative Affairs Alex Rosen. “Rep. Hageman has been a relentless champion for restoring integrity to the CDL system, which gives everyone on the road confidence that only qualified drivers are operating behind the wheel. By requiring FMCSA to audit issuance procedures for non-domicile CDLs and identify areas where additional accountability is needed, her bill would build on this effort. ATA applauds Rep. Hageman's leadership and will continue to support her ongoing work to strengthen oversight, close loopholes, and ensure safety throughout the trucking industry."
Hageman said that with new the FMCSA rule significantly reducing the category of foreign worker who is eligible for a non-domiciled CDL in the United States, this new bill “is necessary to ensure continued oversight and compliance.”
The bill was introduced in the U.S. House on Aug. 20 and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Hageman spearheaded a number of other trucking-related bills of late, including legislation aimed at rooting out chameleon carriers, codifying FMCSA's English language proficiency requirement into law, and putting a mileage limit on under-21 truck drivers rather than stopping them at state lines.
[Related: FMCSA issues Final Rule banning non-domiciled CDLs almost entirely]
Idaho DMV expands military veteran CDL eligibility
The Idaho Department of Motor Vehicles is updating its Military Skills Test Waiver to match new federal guidelines, giving former service members two years after separation from the military to apply their military driving experience toward a CDL. The previous limit was one year.
The waiver allows qualified veterans to bypass the civilian skills test, helping them transition more quickly into Idaho’s commercial trucking workforce, the state said. Idaho is also continuing to participate in the Even Exchange Program, which provides additional streamlined pathways for certain military drivers.
“Idaho depends on highly skilled commercial drivers, and our Veterans continue to strengthen that workforce with the expertise they gained through service,” said CJ Kendrick, Idaho DMV Administrator. “By expanding the waiver window, Idaho DMV is making it easier for Veterans to apply the training they already have, helping them support their families while continuing to serve our great state.”
Service members and Veterans can learn more by visiting Idaho’s Commercial Driver’s License page under “Military CDL Waivers”.
[Related: Trump wants to trade 'illegal' truckers for veterans, and Werner wants 1,400 of them]
