SB 1587 sets a $1 million minimum penalty, makes employers responsible, and requires police to tell immigration authorities
Tennessee lawmakers have proposed a new law. It would punish people and companies who break the state’s rules on commercial vehicles.
Senate Bill 1587 would make it a crime if someone lets a person who is in the U.S. illegally drive a commercial vehicle in Tennessee. The bill would also make individuals and companies fully responsible if someone in the country illegally causes a crash while driving a commercial vehicle.
Tennessee has its own set of laws called the Tennessee Code Annotated. The new law would add a rule making it a crime to allow someone in the U.S. illegally to drive a commercial vehicle.
It would also be a crime for a person in the U.S. illegally to drive a commercial vehicle in Tennessee. Both the person who allowed it and the driver would face serious charges.
If police arrest someone for driving a commercial vehicle illegally, they must tell immigration authorities.
Making this reporting rule into a law is important because not all police departments always tell immigration officers when this happens.
The bill says that if someone who is in the U.S. illegally causes a crash while driving a commercial vehicle, the employer and anyone who helped them get a license can be forced to pay for all damages and injuries.
This rule means people who were hurt can recover at least $1 million in damages, plus court costs and attorneys’ fees.
The bill also says that only Tennessee law applies in these cases, even if a contract says otherwise.
The attorney general could also sue employers or state officials who break the law, asking for at least $1 million for each violation.
Regular people could also sue on behalf of the state. If they win, they could get 25% to 50% of the money collected, depending on their role in the case.
These rules are considered very strict. The bill is likely to pass because Republicans have control of Tennessee’s government.
