Bill · S. 2114· Senate(119-S-2114)
Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act
- Introduced
- 6/18/2025
- Last activity
- 6/18/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Roger Marshall
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act," seeks to amend title 49 of the United States Code. It focuses on modifying provisions regarding commercial motor vehicle operator testing requirements. Specifically, it establishes new English language proficiency standards for individuals seeking to pass knowledge tests or receive certification to operate commercial motor vehicles. These requirements include the ability to understand traffic signs and communicate with various officials in English. The changes are set to take effect two years after the act is enacted.
Yes
Does this give the federal government more power?+2
The bill mandates specific federal standards for commercial driver testing that bypass previous regulatory flexibilities.
Does this tighten control of the border?+2
Enhancing English proficiency for communication with border patrol agents may assist in law enforcement interactions.
Does this make it easier to do business across state lines?+1
Standardizing English requirements may lead to more uniform enforcement of driver qualifications across state lines.
The opposite· 3 of 7
Would immigrants be better off under this?-5
The bill creates significant new barriers to professional certification for immigrants who are non-native English speakers.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?-4
The English-only testing requirement may disproportionately affect the large population of Hispanic commercial drivers.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?-3
Mandating English-only testing may disproportionately affect non-native English speaking populations and immigrants.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Enhanced Communication with Authorities: Under Section 2(a)(6)(A)(ii), operators must be able to communicate in English with traffic safety officers, border patrol agents, agricultural checkpoint officers, and cargo weight-limit station personnel. This ensures specific communication can occur during operation.
-
Improved Operational Awareness: According to Section 2(a)(6)(A), individuals will be required to demonstrate the ability to read and understand traffic signs in English, which is part of the basic information needed to effectively operate a commercial motor vehicle.
-
Clearer Instruction Exchange: Per Section 2(a)(6)(A)(iii), the bill requires individuals to be able to provide and receive feedback and directions in English, which is part of the required proficiency for operating a commercial motor vehicle.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Increased Testing Restrictions: Under Section 2(a)(6)(B), a knowledge test in a written, verbal, or automated format may not be administered in any language other than English, which could impact how tests are conducted.
-
New Eligibility Requirements: Section 2(a)(6)(A) states that an individual shall not be eligible to pass a knowledge test or receive a certification of fitness to operate a commercial motor vehicle unless they demonstrate the ability to understand and communicate in English as specified.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Immigrants-5Good For Hispanic Americans-4Good For Low Income Households-2Good For Business Owners-1
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2Improves Interstate Commerce+1Increase States Rights-2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+2Improves Racial Equity-3
- 6/18/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
John BarrassoRepublican · Wyoming
Cindy Hyde-SmithRepublican · Mississippi