Wyoming lawmaker introduces Connor’s Law to codify English-language requirement for CDL drivers

Rep. Harriet Hageman, a Republican from Wyoming, introduced Connor’s Law in the U.S. House to codify the English-language proficiency requirement for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The proposal would require CDL holders who cannot read or speak English to be placed out of service, arguing that reading signs and communicating with the public are essential to highway safety. Supporters say a clear federal standard would reduce crashes linked to language barriers and misinterpretation of road signs across states.

Connor Dzion, an 18-year-old from Florida, was killed in 2017 in northern Florida when a distracted truck driver who could not read signs attempted an illegal U-turn on a busy multi-lane highway. The St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office described the crash as preventable. The incident has been cited by proponents as a stark example of what can happen when English-language proficiency is not verified for CDL drivers.

Existing federal regulations require CDL drivers to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand highway signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. In 2016, however, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration removed English-language proficiency violations from its out-of-service criteria, effectively weakening enforcement of that rule. Advocates say that change created enforcement gaps that persist in some states. The issue resurfaced in policy discussions as accidents involving commercial motor vehicles rose, and proponents urged a return to stronger enforcement.

During the prior administration, the federal oversight framework shifted again. The FMCSA issued guidance directing inspectors to assess a driver’s English-language proficiency during roadside inspections, including driver interviews and sign-recognition assessments. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) reinstated English-language proficiency failures as out-of-service violations, aiming to standardize enforcement across jurisdictions. State-level enforcement, however, remains uneven, highlighting the need for a formal federal standard.

Some supporters frame Connor’s Law as part of a broader push to bolster highway safety by ensuring responders can communicate effectively with drivers and understand critical information on the road. Critics, by contrast, warn of potential burdens on drivers with limited English proficiency and the carriers that employ them. The bill’s backers say codifying the requirement would provide clarity and authority for both state and federal authorities in enforcing road-safety standards.

On Aug. 21, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced an immediate pause on all worker-visa issuance for commercial truck drivers, citing public-safety concerns and potential risks to American livelihoods. The move followed the Florida crash linked to an undocumented driver who reportedly failed his English assessment, underscoring the perceived link between language proficiency and road safety.

In Wyoming, the broader debate over English-language proficiency and driver safety has been underscored by local incidents. On Dec. 21, 2022, Tyeler Harris was killed and Tiffany Gruetzmacher was injured when Saviol Saint Jean, who was not proficient in English despite holding a CDL, drove through an accident site at high speed. Saint Jean’s vehicle struck the crash scene as motorists queued, highlighting the role of clear sign-reading and understanding of dynamic roadway conditions, including variable-message signs that guide traffic around incidents. In Wyoming, such signs are widely used along major corridors like I‑80 to warn drivers of changing weather, closures, and hazards.

Proponents argue that Connor’s Law would provide uniform guidance to law-enforcement and inspectors nationwide, reducing ambiguity in how English-language proficiency is evaluated during inspections and at roadside stops. Critics say the measure could create new hurdles for drivers with limited English skills and could complicate compliance for some trucking operators. The debate continues as lawmakers weigh short-term safety gains against potential longer-term considerations for the trucking workforce.

Harriet Hageman, a Republican, is the lone member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wyoming and a principal advocate of Connor’s Law.