Trucking news and briefs for Monday, June 2, 2025:
Bill to codify English language proficiency introduced in Congress
U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio) has introduced "Connor’s Law," a piece of legislation that would codify President Trump’s Executive Order requiring truck drivers to maintain a basic English language proficiency (ELP) in order to be licensed to drive on American roads.
The legislation is named after Connor Dzion, an 18-year-old who was killed in 2017 in a crash in Northern Florida by a distracted truck driver who was found unable to speak English or read signs warning of upcoming traffic.
Taylor highlighted the issues around ELP, noting that while the requirement has been on the books, it has not been enforced as an out-of-service violation for a decade. The Department of Transportation recently revoked that guidance, issuing new inspection procedures, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has effectively reinstated ELP infractions as out-of-service violations, most recently noting enforcement as such would officially kick off June 25.
Even with those moves, Rep. Taylor's office noted “Congressional action is needed to restore proper CDL requirements and ensure safety on American roads," potentially solidifying the requirements already in place.
The bill requires that drivers “can read and speak the English language sufficiently to”:
- Converse with the general public
- Understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language
- Respond to official inquiries
- Make entries on reports and records
Those requirements closely mirror what's already in regulation in 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2). In addition, the bill would enshrine an out-of-service order for noncompliance.
The legislation is co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Harriet Hageman (Wyoming), Mike Collins (Georgia), Paul Gosar (Arizona), Beth Van Duyne (Texas), and Brad Finstad (Minnesota).
Earlier this month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released its own enforcement policy offering guidance on how inspectors should enforce the ELP regulations, which includes a driver interview if initial contact with the driver indicates a lack of English proficiency and -- if the driver passes that first assessment -- a highway traffic sign recognition assessment.
California-based fleet owner pleads guilty to COVID loan fraud
The owner of two Fresno, California-based trucking businesses pleaded guilty this week to one count of theft of government property, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Gurjeet Bath, 37, of Fresno, and other family members operated G.S. Bath Inc. and Complete Transportation Services (CTS), operating in Fresno County.
In 2020 and 2021, Bath applied for and received three Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling more than $1 million. To obtain the loans, Bath knowingly falsified records to inflate his businesses’ employee counts and their wages. Bath then used approximately $600,000 of those funds to purchase two parcels of agricultural land in Fresno County.
The case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General.
Bath is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Oct. 6. Bath faces a maximum statutory penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
