Alabama House Passes English Proficiency Bill for Drivers

0:00This is Birmingham News Today, every story, every city, every day. Alabama's House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday mandating English proficiency for commercial driver's license holders. The measure aims to match federal rules and target drivers from foreign countries by requiring proof of valid entry documents to operate here. Lawmakers added penalties for violations like using fake foreign licenses or driving without proper paperwork. Others say this closes gaps in current state law and boosts highway safety. One representative voiced strong concerns, arguing the bill unfairly targets ethnic minorities and immigrants during traffic stops. She suggested handing suspects directly to federal authorities instead of piling on state charges. On the other side, the head of Alabama trucking praised the change as a tool for law enforcement to remove unsafe operators. He noted it supports a national plan to clean up the industry and level the playing field. The bill now awaits approval from governor, Kay Ivey, who could sign it into law soon.

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