SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – A Florida Senate committee passed legislation that would allow state troopers to immediately impound semi-trucks driven by undocumented immigrants as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration.
The bill would permit troopers to turn drivers over to federal officials and impound their trucks. Companies would face $50,000 fines and bans from operating on Florida highways.
The legislation follows a deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike that gained national attention over the summer. Supporters say the measure is designed to keep Florida highways safe.
Critics argue the bill could worsen a nationwide trucker shortage. One opponent said the legislation would create supply chain problems and price increases.
“I’m mad at the motor carriers who would hire him,” said one critic. “I am mad at people who would put their loads in carriers and not do the due diligence to know that they’ve got an illegal driving the truck.”
The critic added that reducing the supply of goods during high demand would cause price spikes, calling it “a solution that exacerbates a problem.”
A similar bill has been filed in the House but is not currently scheduled for a hearing.
Florida lawmakers also advanced a plan to boost security on state college and university campuses following last year’s deadly shooting at Florida State University in Tallahassee.
A House committee unanimously approved the proposal, which would allow trained college employees to become armed school guardians and carry concealed weapons on campus.
The bill mandates active assailant response plans, campus alerts and annual training for students and staff.
“This is now all too common of a story,” said one supporter. “And that we here in Florida, if we’re the ones that are taking a step in creating uniformity in this, because it can happen anywhere, at any time, I’m proud of that.”
Participation in the Guardian program would be optional for colleges and universities.
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