Draft Bill

A BILL
To amend Title 49 of the United States Code to enhance safety, accountability, and professional standards among common carriers and holders of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), and for other purposes.

Section 1. Short Title

This Act may be cited as the “Commercial Carrier Safety and Accountability Enhancement Act of 2025.”

Section 2. Findings and Purpose

Congress finds that:

Commercial motor vehicle operators perform a critical role in interstate commerce and public safety.
Enhanced standards of mental, technical, and behavioral fitness are necessary to reduce highway fatalities and improve public trust in the transport sector.
Accountability of carriers and companies must be strengthened to ensure civil and criminal liability attaches to negligent acts and omissions.
Compensation of carriers must reflect the increased regulatory and safety burdens placed upon them.

Section 3. Amendments to Title 49, United States Code

(a) English Proficiency

49 U.S.C. § 31310 is amended by adding:

(f) Immediate English Proficiency Testing. — The Secretary of Transportation shall require all applicants for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), regardless of immigration status, to demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient to communicate with enforcement officials, understand traffic signs, and comply with federal regulations.

(b) Mental and Psychological Screening

49 U.S.C. § 31310 is amended by inserting after subsection (f):

(g) Mental Health Screening. —
(1) Each CDL applicant shall undergo a comprehensive psychological and mental health evaluation at the time of application.
(2) Any diagnosis of disorders likely to manifest in violence, sociopathy, or impaired judgment shall disqualify the applicant.
(3) CDL holders shall undergo periodic psychological re-evaluations not less than twice annually.
(4) A CDL holder disqualified due to subsequent mental health deterioration after five or more consecutive years of active service shall be afforded presumptive eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

(c) Safety and Technical Proficiency

49 U.S.C. § 31305 is amended by adding:

(c) Technical Proficiency Examinations. — The Secretary shall establish immediate and comprehensive safety and technical skill proficiency testing as a prerequisite for CDL issuance.

(d) Drug and Criminal Background Screening

49 U.S.C. § 31306 is amended to read:

(1) Randomized Quarterly Drug Testing. — All CDL holders shall be subject to a minimum of four randomized drug tests per twelve-month period, with no less than two months between tests.
(2) Zero Tolerance. — A first positive drug test, verified instance of road rage, or violent conduct while operating a commercial vehicle shall result in permanent disqualification from CDL eligibility.
(3) Criminal Background Checks. — Prior felony convictions for crimes evidencing disregard for human life, including but not limited to vehicular manslaughter, aggravated assault, arson, armed robbery, and major narcotics trafficking, shall disqualify applicants from CDL eligibility.

(e) Company Accountability

49 U.S.C. § 31132 is amended by inserting:

(j) Carrier Liability. — Each trucking company engaged in interstate commerce shall be subject to both civil and criminal liability for negligent acts or omissions of its employed carriers when such acts occur within the scope of employment.

(f) Point System for Infractions

A new section, 49 U.S.C. § 31311a, is added:

§ 31311a. Carrier Infraction Point System.
(a) The Secretary shall establish a uniform, nationwide CDL point system to assess accountability for infractions not rising to immediate CDL disqualification.
(b) Points shall be weighted based on severity, number of persons affected, extent of injuries, amount of property damage, and repetition of similar infractions.
(c) Accumulation of points above thresholds established by regulation shall result in CDL suspension or permanent disqualification.

(g) Compensation Standards

A new section, 49 U.S.C. § 31508a, is added:

§ 31508a. Minimum Wage for Carriers.
(a) Each State shall establish a minimum compensation standard for carriers domiciled within that State, based on cost-of-living indexes and the State Consumer Price Index (CPI).
(b) Such rates shall be reviewed by the Secretary for adequacy and equity.
(c) Compensation shall proportionally reflect the heightened safety, accountability, and professional requirements imposed under this Act.

(h) Restrictions on Foreign Nationals and Foreign Companies

[Note: Likely unconstitutional / in conflict with trade treaties. Retained here in legislative style for completeness.]

(1) No foreign national shall be issued a CDL unless naturalized as a United States citizen and at least five years have elapsed since naturalization.
(2) No foreign-owned trucking company may be authorized to operate within the United States.

(i) Enforcement and Funding Conditions

49 U.S.C. § 31314 is amended by adding:

(e) Withholding of Funds. — The Secretary shall withhold federal highway and transportation funds from any State that fails to implement the requirements of this Act.

Section 4. Effective Date

This Act shall take effect one year after the date of enactment.