Bill seeks to codify English proficiency requirements for CDL holders to ensure consistent enforcement by states

A Wyoming Senator introduced a bill to strengthen current enforcement of English Language Proficiency (ELP) rules for commercial vehicle drivers.

On October 8, 2025, Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced S.2991, a bill intended to codify a previous White House Executive Order requiring CDL drivers to demonstrate a basic proficiency in English.

The Senate bill is companion legislation to a House version of the bill called Connor’s Law introduced by Rep. Dave Taylor earlier this year.

If passed, both versions of the bill would take the following actions:

• Codify ELP into law as a requirement for individuals issued a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Put CDL drivers violating the ELP requirement out-of-service

While federal agencies have already taken action to increase enforcement of ELP for CDL drivers, the bills would help to ensure consistent enforcement of the rules by states.

Connor’s Law was named in honor of Connor Dzion, an 18 year old killed in 2017 in a crash in Northern Florida involving a truck driver who reportedly was unable to speak English or read highway signs.

“Wyoming families and travelers deserve safe highways,” said Senator Lummis. “I’m introducing this common sense legislation to ensure commercial truck drivers operating heavy vehicles can simply read signs, understand traffic laws, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency responders.” 

Small business trucking trade group the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) endorses the bill.

“OOIDA and professional truckers across America applaud Senator Lummis for her leadership in taking action to address the long-ignored issue of English proficiency among commercial drivers. The ability to read and communicate in English is not just a matter of convenience, it’s a matter of safety for everyone who shares the road. By ensuring that all truck drivers who operate  80,000 lb. pieces of machinery on public roadways  can read signs, and communicate with law enforcement and first responders, this legislation strengthens accountability and helps prevent tragedies before they happen. OOIDA strongly supports efforts that make our highways safer and our industry more professional,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.

On June 25, 2025, non-compliance with existing federal regulations requiring ELP for commercial vehicle drivers was returned to status as an out-of-service violation after the reversal of a 2016 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) memo that directed law enforcement not to place truck drivers out-of-service for ELP violations.