Legislation advances TN Republicans’ Immigration 2026 agenda to protect lawful residents NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, has introduced legislation as part of Tennessee Republicans’ Immigration 2026 agenda to protect residents from illegal aliens operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV). House Bill 1706 establishes a Class A misdemeanor for an illegal alien to operate […]
Legislation advances TN Republicans’ Immigration 2026 agenda to protect lawful residents
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary, R-Knoxville, has introduced legislation as part of Tennessee Republicans’ Immigration 2026 agenda to protect residents from illegal aliens operating commercial motor vehicles (CMV).
House Bill 1706 establishes a Class A misdemeanor for an illegal alien to operate a CMV in Tennessee. It would also be a Class A misdemeanor for someone to knowingly allow a person unlawfully in the United States to operate a CMV.
“Tennessee will not sit by as Democratic-led states hand out commercial driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, endangering families across our state,” said Zachary. “This critical legislation puts the Volunteer State first and sends the message that we value the rule of law and the safety and well-being of all residents. Our Immigration 2026 agenda reaffirms what most already believe: People unlawfully in our nation should not be allowed to threaten the lives and livelihoods of law-abiding Tennesseans.”
The proposal would require law enforcement agencies across the state to notify federal immigration authorities after arresting a person accused of violating this measure.
Employers who knowingly allow illegal aliens to operate a CMV and state officials or employees of any state who issue a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to an illegal alien could be held liable to a person who suffers personal injury or property damage as a result, according to House Bill 1706. The proposal would also permit the Tennessee Attorney General to sue employers and state officials or employees of any state for violating these restrictions. Injured persons could be entitled to a minimum of $1 million in punitive damages or civil penalties.
Commercial motor vehicles in Tennessee include any vehicle or combination of vehicles used to transport people or property with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of at least 26,001 pounds, with certain exceptions. Most vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or that are used to transport hazardous materials are also considered CMVs.
The Immigration 2026 legislative package is designed to close enforcement gaps, protect Tennessee taxpayers and require active enforcement of immigration laws across the state. Nearly 2,720 individuals unlawfully present in the United States were charged or convicted of crimes in Tennessee over three months in late 2024, encompassing nearly 3,900 offenses. These include 447 violent charges and 11 homicides, according to the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference.
State Rep. Jason Zachary represents District 14 in the Tennessee House of Representatives, which includes part of Knox County.