Kansas transportation committee hears bill to require ID and English proficiency for commercial drivers

Topeka — The House Committee on Transportation heard testimony on House Bill 2583 on the requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers to carry specified identification and demonstrate English-language proficiency while operating in Kansas.

Chris, a committee staff member who presented the bill, said HB 2583 would require any commercial motor vehicle driver operating in Kansas to have “a valid unexpired CDL issued by Kansas or any other state in accordance with federal minimum standards” or a physical copy of an equivalent CDL issued under reciprocal agreements. The bill also lists acceptable proof of citizenship — a valid passport, a certified birth certificate or a certificate of naturalization issued by the Department of Homeland Security — and establishes an English-proficiency assessment for drivers.

“The assessment would evaluate the driver’s ability to respond to questions about trip details, hours of service, vehicle equipment, and maintenance, and to recognize and read common highway traffic signs,” Chris said. He added that violations would be…