5/6/08-A bill has died that was intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their licenses to drive.
Sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, S857 missed a deadline to advance, effectively killing it for the year. The Senate previously approved it.
The bill sought to require all state agencies and local governments to “offer all services, publications, printed, audio, and video materials, and tests in an English-only format” unless directed otherwise by federal law or regulation. The requirement would have applied to people applying for commercial driver’s licenses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now offers driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact regulations on CDLs requires applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.

1/30/08-A bill in the House Judiciary Committee is intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their licenses to drive. The Senate already approved it.
Sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, S857 would require all state agencies and local governments to “offer all services, publications, printed, audio, and video materials, and tests in an English-only format” unless directed otherwise by federal law or regulation. The requirement would apply to people applying for commercial driver’s licenses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now offers driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact regulations on CDLs requires applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.
For bill status, call (803) 212-6200.

1/25/08-The Senate approved a bill intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their licenses to drive. It now moves to the House for further consideration.
Sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, S857 would require all state agencies and local governments to “offer all services, publications, printed, audio, and video materials, and tests in an English-only format” unless directed otherwise by federal law or regulation. The requirement would apply to people applying for commercial driver’s licenses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now offers driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact regulations on CDLs requires applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee in the House.
For bill status, call (803) 212-6200.

1/21/08-The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their licenses to drive.
Sponsored by Senate Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, S857 would require all state agencies and local governments to “offer all services, publications, printed, audio, and video materials, and tests in an English-only format” unless directed otherwise by federal law or regulation. The requirement would apply to people applying for commercial driver’s licenses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now offers driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact regulations on CDLs requires applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.
The bill now awaits consideration before the full Senate. If approved there, it would move to the House.
For Senate bill status, call (803) 212-6200.

1/3/08-Senate Pro Tem Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, has filed a bill for consideration in the upcoming session that is intended to ensure that aspiring truckers and other drivers have a firm grasp of the English language before they obtain their license to drive.
S857 would require all state agencies and local governments to “offer all services, publications, printed, audio, and video materials, and tests in an English-only format” unless directed otherwise by federal law or regulation. The requirement would apply to people applying for commercial driver’s licenses.
The Department of Motor Vehicles now offers driving tests in German, French and Spanish despite the fact regulations on CDLs requires applicants to be able to understand and to speak the English language.
The bill is in the Senate Judiciary Committee. A similar effort – H4353 – is in the House Judiciary Committee.
For Senate bill status, call (803) 212-6200.