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Committee backs bill aligning CDL standards with federal English requirement
Summary
Senate Bill 17‑48 to mirror federal English standards for commercial drivers’ licenses passed the committee by voice vote; the amendment suspends a CDL when a driver is issued an out‑of‑service order for inability to read/speak sufficient English and requires state testing for reinstatement.
Senator Bolling presented Senate Bill 17‑48, which would give Tennessee the tools to enforce federal safety rules (citing 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2)) requiring commercial drivers to be able to read road signs and respond in English as necessary for safety. The amendment adopted by the committee suspends a commercial driver's license if a driver is issued an out‑of‑service order for failing to meet the federal English standard and requires state‑administered testing before reinstatement; the sponsor said liability would rest with the driver and not the employer.
Committee members asked about practical accommodations (for example, for those who are illiterate or deaf) and whether state action was necessary if the requirement is federally mandated. Sponsor said the bill creates state forms and an enforcement path to mirror federal law. After adopting the amendment the committee voted to send the bill to the calendar (recorded 8 ayes, 1 no).
