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Bill

S 4317

A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to withhold Federal highway funding from States that issue driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, or personal identification cards to individuals without verifying the legal status of those individuals, and for other purposes.

119th Congress Introduced by John Barrasso and 3 co-sponsors

Ties federal highway funding to States verifying the lawful immigration status of individuals when issuing driver’s licenses, CDLs, or IDs.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4317

Summary of Bill: S. 4317 (119th Congress)

Title

A bill to amend title 23, United States Code, to withhold Federal highway funding from States that issue driver's licenses, commercial driver's licenses, or personal identification cards to individuals without verifying the legal status of those individuals, and for other purposes.

Purpose and Intent

  • The core goal is to condition federal highway funding on States’ compliance with verifying the lawful immigration status of individuals to whom they issue:
    • Driver’s licenses
    • Commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
    • Personal identification cards
  • In short, it seeks to tie access to federal highway funds to each State’s policies on verifying whether applicants are legally present in the United States.

Key Provisions (as described by the bill’s title and sponsor notes)

  • Amend title 23, United States Code: Adjust the federal-aid highway program framework to include a new funding condition based on States’ licensing verification practices.
  • Withholding mechanism: Federal highway funds would be withheld from States that issue licenses or ID cards without verifying legal status.
  • Scope of verification: Applies to ordinary driver’s licenses, commercial driver’s licenses, and personal identification cards (as defined or used within the State for identification and driving credentials).
  • “For other purposes”: The bill may include additional related provisions typically associated with the primary funding condition, potentially addressing administrative, enforcement, or reporting requirements to support implementation (exact text not provided here).

Who and What Is Affected

  • Affected Entity: U.S. States that issue driver’s licenses, CDLs, or identification cards.
  • Financial Impact: States failing to verify legal status as specified would face reductions or withholdings of Federal highway funds that they otherwise would receive under federal highway programs.
  • Implications for Individuals: Potential changes in access to driver’s licenses, CDLs, and ID cards in States that do not currently verify status according to the bill’s standards; could affect individuals residing in those States who obtain or renew licenses or IDs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral:
    • Introduced in the Senate on April 16, 2026.
    • Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.
  • Sponsor Information:
    • Co-sponsors include Senators Tim Scott, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, and John Cornyn.
  • Status as of the action history: The bill has not yet advanced beyond referral to committee; no floor passage or committee report details are provided in the action history.

Potential Implications and Considerations

  • Policy Debate: The bill would likely generate discussion about states’ licensing sovereignty, federalism, immigration policy, and highway funding priorities.
  • Federal-State Relations: Creates a financial incentive structure that may pressure States to modify licensing verification practices.
  • Administrative Burden: States may need to adjust their licensing procedures, data sharing with federal agencies, and verification systems.
  • Legal/Constitutional Questions: Potential challenges related to immigration enforcement, privacy, and the balance of powers between federal funding conditions and state policy decisions.

If you’d like, I can add a comparison to existing laws (e.g., federal REAL ID considerations) or provide a brief briefing on potential fiscal impact estimates based on current federal highway funding figures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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