HR3608-119

What This Bill Does

Connor's Law turns the federal English-language qualification for commercial motor vehicle drivers into a mandatory out-of-service enforcement rule. Commercial motor vehicle operators must read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals in English, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. If an authorized enforcement officer determines a driver does not satisfy 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), the officer must declare the operator out of service. The bill does not alter other out-of-service authority under federal law, regulations, or the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.

Who Benefits and How

Highway users benefit if commercial drivers can understand English traffic signs, signals, and official safety instructions. State commercial vehicle inspectors benefit from a clear statutory duty to issue out-of-service orders for noncompliance. Motor carriers with English-proficient drivers benefit from clearer enforcement expectations across jurisdictions. Crash-victim safety advocates benefit from a rule framed around communication and road-sign comprehension.

Who Bears the Burden and How

Commercial motor vehicle drivers with limited English proficiency face removal from service when inspectors find noncompliance. Motor carriers must ensure drivers meet the English-language qualification before dispatch. State enforcement agencies must train officers and apply out-of-service orders consistently. Freight shippers may face delays if a driver is declared out of service during inspection.

Key Provisions

• Requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to read and speak English sufficiently for public, sign, inquiry, and record duties.
• Requires enforcement officers to declare noncompliant drivers out of service.
• Uses existing 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) as the language-qualification standard.
• Preserves other federal and North American Standard out-of-service authorities.