On Friday, the full Senate passed tougher penalties on truck drivers in the country illegally and the companies who employ and profit from them.
But it remains to be seen whether the House will do the same.
The Senate passed by a 29-5 vote SB 86, sponsored by Republican Sen. Don Gaetz, in its last stop before a floor vote.
However, Rep. Jason Shoaf’s companion bill (HB 1247) never got a hearing, in yet another sign of disconnect between the two legislative branches.
Gaetz’s bill is now in Messages to the House.
The measure, which is supported by the Florida Police Benevolent Association, would “address the emerging issue of commercial motor vehicle operation by unauthorized aliens who are not authorized to operate in this state pursuant to s. 322.033 and who may not meet English language proficiency requirements or have the operational understanding to safely operate such vehicles.”
Florida Highway Patrol and local police could arrest an undocumented immigrant driving a vehicle and deliver the illegal motorist to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or other immigration police.
Fines are also in play, including $50,000 due to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, along with other costs and fees associated with impoundment. And those who provided a vehicle for this class of criminals could no longer legally operate in the state.
The bill was filed after investigators alleged that Harjinder Singh, who was licensed in California after reportedly crossing the Mexican border into the U.S. illegally, made an illegal U-turn while driving a semi on the Florida Turnpike in August, leading to a deadly crash. Singh now faces three counts of vehicular homicide and manslaughter.
