3/27/08-A bill has died that sought to make it clear that aspiring truck drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain licenses to drive in the state.
Federal rules require people who take tests to receive their commercial driver’s licenses to be able to read and speak English well enough to read road signs, prepare reports, and communicate with the public and with law enforcement.
Sponsored by Sen. John Barnes Jr., R-Raymond, SB388 sought to add those same requirements to state law. But the Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee ruled it was “inexpedient to legislate,” effectively killing it for the year.

1/15/08-A bill in the Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation Committee would make it clear that aspiring truck drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain licenses to drive in the state.
Federal rules require people who take tests to receive their commercial driver’s licenses to be able to read and speak English well enough to read road signs, prepare reports, and communicate with the public and with law enforcement.
Sponsored by Sen. John Barnes Jr., R-Raymond, SB388 would add those same requirements to state law. The bill is expected to be considered by the committee Thursday, Jan. 24.
For Senate bill status, call (603) 271-3420.