2/25/05-The House Courts of Justice Committee voted 10-7 on Feb 4 to kill a bill that would have prohibited the issuance of driver’s licenses and learner’s permits to persons incapable of communicating using the English language has died.
HB1625, sponsored by Delegate Daniel Marshall III, R-Danville, would have extended the prohibition to both original issues and to renewals.
Marshall wrote:

“No driver's license shall be issued to or renewed for any applicant who is unable either… to read and write the English language or… to speak and understand the English language. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to bar the issuance of driver's licenses solely because of an applicant's hearing impairment, speech impairment, or illiteracy.”

The bill previously passed the House Transportation Committee.

12/20/04-A measure filed by Delegate Daniel Marshall III, R-Danville, would prohibit the issuance of driver’s licenses and learner’s permits to persons incapable of communicating using the English language. The prohibition extends to both original issues and to renewals.
Marshall wrote:

“No driver's license shall be issued to or renewed for any applicant who is unable either… to read and write the English language or… to speak and understand the English language. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to bar the issuance of driver's licenses solely because of an applicant's hearing impairment, speech impairment, or illiteracy.”

HB1625 has been forwarded to the House Transportation Committee for consideration once the 2005 session convenes Jan. 12.
For House bill status, call (804) 698-1510. In Virginia, call 1-800-892-6948.