Jan. 22, 2008 - Heads up: New Hampshire truckers! A bill scheduled for consideration Thursday, Jan. 24, in the Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee would mandate that CDL applicants be able to communicate in English. If you are unable to attend the meeting, please take time now to contact the committee members to share your views on this important topic.

Federal rules require that people who take tests to receive their commercial driver’s licenses be able to read and speak English well enough to read road signs, prepare reports, and communicate with the public and with law enforcement officers.

SB388 would add those requirements to state law.

Supporters say restrictions are needed in states to help ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their licenses to drive.

Opponents say there are no studies that suggest English proficiency makes better drivers. Others say there are more pressing issues to address in the state.

The Senate committee is scheduled to hold discussion on SB388 Thursday, Jan. 24, at 10:15 a.m. in Legislative Office Building Room 101 at the Capitol. This is a great opportunity for you to communicate with your state representative and senator about this issue. For contact information, visit http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/ie/billstatus/commdetails.asp?commcode=S25.

For a map and directions to the statehouse and legislative office building, visit http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/misc/directions/.

You can also call the OOIDA Membership Department at 1-800-444-5791 and they can pull up the information for you.