Sen. Ashley Moody (R-Fla.) is set to introduce the Safer Truckers Act of 2025, a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening federal regulations for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following a fatal crash in Florida. The bill would require CDLs to be held only by U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or holders of valid work visas, while mandating English proficiency for all commercial drivers. Moody argues that reading road signs in English is not optional for truck drivers, emphasizing the necessity of language skills for safety on the roadways.
The legislation comes in response to a tragic incident on August 12, when Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, was allegedly involved in a fatal collision on a Florida highway. The incident resulted in the deaths of three individuals when Singh, who held a CDL from California and was previously licensed in Washington, made an illegal U-turn, causing a tractor-trailer to jackknife and collide with a minivan. Singh is now charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and three counts of manslaughter.
Moody’s proposal would further require states to report their compliance with English proficiency requirements, aligning with President Donald Trump’s executive order from earlier this year. The bill threatens to withhold federal funding from states that do not enforce these standards, a measure Moody argues is necessary to ensure the safety of road users. Federal investigators noted that Singh had previously failed English proficiency and road sign tests, raising questions about the adequacy of current licensing procedures.
Although some states allow undocumented migrants to obtain regular driver’s licenses, CDLs are governed by federal law, which mandates proof of lawful permanent residency or an Employment Authorization Document. Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-Calif.) and Gov. Bob Ferguson (D-Wash.) for comment, but no response was received. The incident has also prompted further scrutiny into how illegal immigrants may have obtained commercial licenses before the crash, with experts highlighting potential loopholes in the current system.
Moody’s legislative move reflects broader conservative priorities on immigration and safety, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement of existing laws and stronger penalties for non-compliance. The bill’s potential financial implications, however, could affect state budgets and the availability of federal funds, particularly for states that may be reluctant to implement the proposed requirements.