The bill amends Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish new requirements for obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) and commercial learner's permit (CLP) for nondomiciled individuals. It introduces an English proficiency standard that applicants must meet, which includes the ability to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to inquiries, and complete reports. The bill also mandates that the department verify the lawful immigration status of applicants seeking a nondomiciled CDL or CLP, and it specifies that these licenses cannot exceed the duration of the applicant's authorized stay in the United States. Additionally, the bill allows the department to issue a nondomiciled CDL or CLP to residents of foreign jurisdictions without requiring additional testing if their standards align with federal regulations, contingent on meeting the English proficiency requirement.

Furthermore, the bill expands the disqualification criteria for commercial drivers by adding violations related to the English proficiency standard and introduces penalties for individuals who fail to meet this requirement. It also requires applicants to provide evidence of lawful immigration status and self-certification of English proficiency. The department is mandated to conduct in-person transactions for the issuance or renewal of these licenses and to provide an annual report to the Transportation Committees of both the Senate and House regarding the Annual Program Review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The amendments take effect immediately, while other provisions will take effect after a specified period.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1599 (Apr 17, 2026): 75-1602