House approves measure requiring CDLs holders to read and speak English 'sufficiently' for safety

The House passed House Bill 2741 on April 15, a measure that requires anyone who currently holds or applies for a commercial driver's license to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries and make entries on reports and records.

The bill’s sponsor, the lady from Jackson County, framed the measure as a public-safety requirement tied to operating large commercial vehicles and noted that penalties and fines would apply to both operators and carriers. Several members expressed concern that the measure could criminalize language proficiency or create practical enforcement problems; one member described it as a potential "show me your papers" situation and said he would oppose the bill for those reasons.

Proponents pointed to a high-profile local incident and to consultations with carriers and truckers who supported the requirement; the sponsor said she had run logistics companies and holds a CDL herself. During floor exchanges members discussed federal CDL testing procedures and whether out-of-state licensure played a role in recent incidents. After closing debate the House adopted the committee substitute by a recorded vote of 104 yeas, 22 nays.

The bill passed as a committee substitute and will move forward according to House procedures.