The package would create a licensing board, fine uncertified trainers $25,000, and require English proficiency for drivers of commercial vehicles over 40 tons.
Republicans say the measures respond to crashes and arrests involving foreign nationals with PennDOT licences, while Governor Josh Shapiro's administration says it verifies lawful presence through the federal SAVE database.
State officials told lawmakers 1,273 Pennsylvania-based CDL training firms appear in the federal registry but only 40 are registered with Harrisburg; the bills now head to the full Senate and then the Democratic-led House.
How will authorities re-evaluate thousands of existing CDLs to remove unqualified drivers from the road?
As new rules close hundreds of trucking schools, how will the nation avoid a crippling driver shortage?
Beyond stricter laws, what technology can ensure real-time verification of a driver's legal and qualification status?