States Consider English Language Proficiency Laws
Until now, all of the hubbub regarding English language proficiency was on the federal level, with the federal government threatening to withhold funding should the state refuse to comply with federal standards. Now, some states, in line with the federal government, are taking a stand and implementing their own state laws regarding use of the English language.
Details
As you would likely expect, the states that are considering implementing these laws are different from the ones having their funding threatened. The three states debating state laws in their assemblies are Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Missouri.
Wyoming is implementing a two-strike rule, where being caught failing an English proficiency test when given one will result in a ban from operating commercial motor vehicles in the state, then jail time of ninety days if the driver does not desist. Additionally, each violation would come with a $1,000 fine.
Oklahoma is considering similar rules, with the fine ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for each violation.
Finally, Missouri is shifting the numbers a bit, making the fine $500 but the jail time 180 days instead.
Conclusion
English language proficiency has become a hot-button topic since the start of the Trump Administration as a result of some incidents of drivers with limited grasp on the language getting into some high-attention collisions. Ultimately, knowledge of the English language is important on the road, not just for understanding the meaning of road signs, but to be able to communicate effectively with just about anyone a driver meets on the road, whether that is law enforcement informing a driver the bridge two miles ahead is out, or helping the driver of a four-wheeler escape after driving into a ditch.
As with the issue of electric commercial motor vehicles creating a divide in states, it seems that the English enforcement saga is creating a similar schism. On one side we have California, Colorado, and Minnesota claiming that they have drawn unfounded ire from the federal government in regards to English proficiency requirements, and on the other we have Missouri, Oklahoma, and Wyoming taking things one step further in enforcing English proficiency within their state borders. It will be interesting to see which states line up where.
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