Committee recommends HB 118 to require CDL training schools to attest to students' English proficiency; measure passes 6–2

Sponsor introduced HB 118 as a consumer‑protection measure requiring CDL applicants and their training schools to complete a signed form attesting that the applicant can read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand traffic signs and signals, and respond to official inquiries. The sponsor described the requirement as both federal law and an existing operational necessity that some schools had not been enforcing.

Representative Oakland asked whether the form would be available in languages other than English; the sponsor said the form would be in English. Representative Romero and others asked who at the school would assess proficiency; the sponsor said the school would designate a counselor or supervisor to perform the assessment and that the change merely codifies an assessment the schools should already be conducting.

Rick Clasby, executive director of the Utah Trucking Association, testified in support, citing recent high-profile accidents and saying the change would both improve safety and protect students from being charged for training that does not prepare them to pass required proficiency components. The sponsor said the bill also adds a data-collection element so the Driver's License Division can monitor schools that consistently send candidates who fail for language reasons.

Representative Oakland moved the successful motion to recommend HB 118 favorably; Representative Romero voiced concerns about who determines English proficiency and voted nay along with Representative Dominguez. The committee reported the recommendation passed by voice vote, recorded at 6–2.