Licensing Dispute Dismissed
The Supreme Court declined to hear Florida's lawsuit against California and Washington regarding commercial driver's licenses issued to undocumented immigrants. Florida's suit alleged that California and Washington issued commercial driver's licenses to individuals not authorized to be in the United States and who lacked English proficiency. The court's decision means the case will not be heard.
Fatal Accident Spurs Legal Action
The lawsuit stemmed from a fatal crash in Florida last year involving truck driver Harjinder Singh, an Indian national. Singh, who had commercial driver's licenses from California and Washington, allegedly made an illegal U-turn, resulting in an accident that killed three people. Florida officials stated that Singh crossed into the U.S. from Mexico.
Florida's Allegations and Demands
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier claimed California and Washington disregarded federal safety standards and immigration laws. Uthmeier requested the Supreme Court block the two states from issuing commercial driver's licenses to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and who do not meet federal safety requirements. Uthmeier argued that these states endanger their own citizens and others, as commercial drivers routinely cross state lines.
States Defend Their Policies
California Attorney General Rob Bonta countered that the Department of Motor Vehicles verifies legal presence using a federal database and tests for English proficiency, as mandated by state law. Bonta stated that Singh's non-domiciled commercial driver's license was issued only after compliance with federal and state regulations. Washington officials dismissed Florida's lawsuit as a "political stunt." They asserted that applicants for commercial driver's licenses must pass written and skills tests meeting federal standards, and reside in Washington or be federally qualified.
Dissenting Justices and Earlier Actions
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, expressing their belief that the Supreme Court is obligated to hear suits between states. Iowa and 16 other states filed a brief backing Florida. Washington officials noted that Singh did not have a valid commercial driver's license from their state at the time of the 2025 crash.
NFL Lawsuit Proceeds
In a separate matter, the Supreme Court refused to block Brian Flores's racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL from proceeding in open court. The NFL wanted the case handled through arbitration. Justice Brett Kavanaugh dissented from the decision not to hear the case. Flores, a former Miami Dolphins head coach and current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, sued the NFL and three franchises in 2022, alleging systemic racism in coaching searches.
Officer's Excessive Force Claim Rejected
The Supreme Court rejected a Michigan police officer’s attempt to evade an excessive force claim arising from a George Floyd protest. The officer, Phillip Reinink, deployed tear gas during a May 30, 2020, disturbance in Grand Rapids. Reinink says he thought his launcher was loaded with a form of tear gas powder that can be fired directly at someone, but it was instead a canister designed to be fired into the air. The canister hit Sean Hart and injured his shoulder.
Alabama House Map Ruling
The court rejected Alabama's House map, calling it unfair to Black voters, which could cost Democrats a majority-Black district.
