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Senate passes bill requiring English-proficiency test for CDL and CLP applicants
Summary
The Senate passed Senate File 2426, which requires the Department of Transportation to administer a computer-based English-proficiency exam for commercial driver license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) applicants, with implementation set for 03/01/2027; an amendment clarified retest and enforcement rules.
The Senate on the floor passed Senate File 2426, a bill that requires the Department of Transportation to examine the English proficiency of each person who applies for a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or a commercial learner’s permit (CLP).
“Senate File 24 26 is a bill that requires the Department of Transportation to examine the English proficiency of each person who applies for a CDL or a commercial learners permit,” the bill’s sponsor, Senator Rosenboom, said in opening remarks. She told colleagues the exam must meet standards set in federal code and be computer-based.
Rosenboom said the bill includes a delayed implementation date of March 1, 2027, and prohibits a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle unless they meet the federal English proficiency requirements. The measure also would prohibit commercial motor carriers from employing or engaging the services of a driver who is not sufficiently proficient in English, she said.
During debate, Senator Winkler of Scott said the bill “holds the companies accountable for hiring drivers that are qualified” and urged its adoption, arguing it supports compliance with both state and federal law and advances road safety for large commercial vehicles.
The Senate also adopted Senate Amendment 50-29 to the bill. Rosenboom explained the amendment “clarifies that persons subject to this exam shall not be required to take it again once they have successfully completed it” and limits law-enforcement out-of-service orders to drivers with an unexpired CDL or CLP that was issued by the Iowa DOT after the person would have been subject to the English-proficiency exam.
Senator Rosenboom moved adoption of the amendment and later moved that the bill be read for the final time and placed on its passage. The roll call on final passage recorded 47 ayes and 0 nays; the chair declared the bill passed with a constitutional majority. After the vote, Senator Clemish asked unanimous consent to immediately message Senate File 2426; with no objections, the request was ordered.
The Senate then called up Senate File 2399 and recessed briefly as Democrats caucused.
