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DMV and immigrant advocates clash over bill to require driver‑license materials be English‑only
Summary
HB 461 would constrain driver‑license testing and materials to English only; opponents and DMV staff said the agency already offers tests and manuals in multiple languages.
Lede: The House Transportation Committee heard HB 461 on Feb. 17, a bill that would require Department of Safety and DMV testing and training materials for drivers’ licensing to be produced and administered in English only.
Nut graf: Supporters framed the bill as a move to reduce language dependence in licensing materials; opponents including immigrant‑service organizations argued it would restrict access to work and mobility for residents with limited English. DMV officials told the committee the agency already offers knowledge tests in multiple languages and recent printing of driver manuals in languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin and Arabic.
Representa…
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