Connor’s Law
S. 2991, nicknamed “Connor’s Law,” would amend title 49 of the U.S. Code to impose a minimum English language proficiency standard for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. The bill adds a new requirement stating that an individual who operates a CMV must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to (i) converse with the general public, (ii) understand highway signs and signals in English, (iii) respond to official inquiries, and (iv) make entries on reports and records. If a driver is found noncompliant with this language standard, the bill authorizes an out-of-service order under the existing enforcement framework. The language ties enforcement to current regulations and out-of-service criteria, and it is labeled as “Connor’s Law.” In short, the bill formalizes an English-language proficiency standard for CMV operators and creates a mechanism to remove noncompliant drivers from service until they meet the standard.
Key Points
- 1Establishes a new minimum English language proficiency standard for CMV operators, defining the core capabilities as reading/speaking English to converse with the public, understand signs/signals, respond to inquiries, and complete reports/records.
- 2Amends 49 U.S.C. § 31308(1) by adding a new subsection (C) with these English-language requirements.
- 3Allows enforcement officers to declare a CMV operator out of service if they are found noncompliant with the language requirement, referencing section 391.11(b)(2) of title 49, CFR (or its successor).
- 4Provides a rule of construction ensuring the new provision does not change or limit other out-of-service orders already carried out under applicable federal law or the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.
- 5The bill is introduced in the Senate (Oct. 8, 2025) by Senators Lummis (and Barrasso) and titled “Connor’s Law.”