Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes fines for semi-truck drivers who cannot speak English sufficiently in Arkansas.

Highlights:

• Authorizes fines for semi-truck drivers who cannot speak English sufficiently in Arkansas (Sec. 1-2).

• Requires anyone operating a commercial vehicle must exhibit English proficiency (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that truck drivers must be able to show that they can read and speak English sufficiently to (Sec. 1-2):

• Converse with the general public;

• Understand highway traffic signs and signals in English;

• Respond to official inquiries; and

• Make entries on reports and records.

• Requires that if someone is driving a truck without sufficient English proficiency, they can be fined $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses (Sec. 1-2).

• Establishes that presenting a false foreign CDL is a Class D felony (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that these provisions apply to any public record, which includes (Sec. ):

• Official books, papers, exhibits, or records of any type required by law from a governmental office or agency;

• License;

• Certificate;

• Permit;

• Seal;

• Title;

• Letter of patent; or

• Similar documents issued by a state, territory, the U.S. federal government, or a foreign government engaged in a reciprocal treaty with the U.S.

• Specifies that operating a commercial vehicle without proper documentation is a Class D felony (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that foreign-domiciled truck drivers can be hit with felony charges if they possess a valid foreign CDL but do not have a valid work permit or work visa in their immediate possession (Sec. 1-2).

• Specifies that charges can be downgraded to a Class A misdemeanor if drivers can show that they did have a valid work permit or visa at the time of the offense (Sec. 1-2).

Full Bill Text