This bill adds a new section to chapter 46.25 RCW that requires the state licensing agency to begin rule-making to update WAC 308-100-020 so it clearly explains how Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards related to a person's country of domicile and immigration status affect receiving or renewing a commercial driver's license (CDL). It creates an administrative, procedural change rather than a criminal or penalty change. The bill requires the department to provide regular training to staff who handle CDL issuance and renewal on documentation needed to show proof of citizenship, lawful residency, or nondomiciled status; on options available to applicants based on country of domicile and immigration status; and on how to direct applicants to the proper application or renewal materials. The training must be updated regularly to align with federal requirements and to serve CDL applicants and holders. The department must also make informational materials available to all CDL training schools, CDL applicants, and CDL holders explaining how country of domicile and immigration status may impact CDL issuance or renewal, including available licensing options and any FMCSA exceptions. The text references the FMCSA and affects the department, CDL training schools, applicants, and holders, but it does not identify the department by name, set timelines or funding for rule-making or training, or define terms such as "nondomiciled status," "country of domicile," or the specific FMCSA exceptions. The bill was referred to the Committee on Transportation and was read for the first time on 01/23/25.

If enacted, a state department will have to start rewriting its rules and set up ongoing training for staff who handle commercial driver’s license (CDL) applications so they can explain what documentation is needed and what licensing options exist based on a person’s country of domicile and immigration status. CDL applicants, current license holders, and CDL training schools should expect to receive plain-language materials about how those factors and any FMCSA exceptions affect eligibility, so people without U.S. citizenship or with nondomiciled status are more likely to get clearer guidance and more consistent responses when applying or renewing. The department will take on the added work and likely extra costs of rule-making, creating and regularly updating training, and producing and distributing materials, but the bill text does not name the department, set timelines, or identify funding, and key terms (like “nondomiciled status” and “country of domicile”) are not defined, so it is uncertain exactly when changes would take effect or how some cases will be handled.