Supreme Court Dismisses Florida’s Lawsuit Against California and Washington

The Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit from Florida, which aimed to sue California and Washington over allowing individuals who entered the country illegally to obtain commercial truck driver’s licenses. The case stemmed from a truck crash in Florida involving Harjinder Singh, an Indian national, which resulted in three deaths. Florida claimed Singh, without legal status in the U.S., was improperly issued licenses in both California and Washington.

Singh now faces criminal charges related to the incident. The Supreme Court dismissed Florida’s appeal without providing a statement. However, Justice Clarence Thomas, backed by Justice Samuel Alito, expressed dissent, stating they would have considered the case. Thomas argued the court refused to review claims that Florida had no other venue to address.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier filed the claim directly with the Supreme Court, bypassing lower courts. The Supreme Court sometimes takes up state disputes, but such interventions are rare.

The lawsuit accused California and Washington of defying federal immigration and safety regulations by issuing licenses without ensuring appropriate training or road sign literacy. These drivers allegedly pose safety risks across state lines. Seventeen states, led by Iowa, supported Florida’s position.

In defense, attorneys for California and Washington argued the Supreme Court had no grounds to accept the case. Washington Attorney General Nicholas Brown labeled the lawsuit a “political stunt.” He referenced Uthmeier’s Fox News announcement of the filing, suggesting political motivations.

Uthmeier, aspiring for a full term after his gubernatorial appointment by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, often engages in contentious conservative matters. The Florida crash incident fueled further immigration policy debates. The then-Administration threatened funding cuts to California, Washington, and New Mexico unless English language requirements for commercial drivers were enforced.