H.R. 3608: Connor’s Law

This bill, known as Connor’s Law, proposes amendments to the requirements for commercial motor vehicle operators related to their proficiency in the English language. The key provisions of the bill are as follows:

Minimum Language Skills Requirement

The bill aims to establish minimum requirements for English language skills for individuals operating commercial motor vehicles. Specifically, it amends the current regulations to include that drivers must be able to:

• Converse with the general public.
• Understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language.
• Respond appropriately to official inquiries.
• Make entries on reports and records.

Out-of-Service Orders for Noncompliance

The bill outlines that an individual operating a commercial vehicle deemed noncompliant with the English proficiency requirement by an authorized enforcement officer will be declared out of service. This means they will be temporarily banned from operating the vehicle until they can meet the language requirements.

Rule of Construction

The bill clarifies that its provisions regarding out-of-service declarations do not alter or impact other out-of-service orders that are governed by existing federal laws or standards. This means that other regulations regarding out-of-service orders will continue to apply as before.

Enforcement and Compliance

The proposed amendments would require enforcement officers to evaluate the language proficiency of commercial motor vehicle drivers, thus ensuring that they can effectively communicate and understand necessary information while on the road.

Implications

The language requirements established by this bill are intended to enhance safety on the roads by ensuring drivers can communicate effectively in English, which is critical for understanding traffic regulations and responding to emergencies.

Relevant Companies

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