South Dakota will require all commercial driver's license holders to demonstrate proficiency in the English language as a condition of getting or keeping their license. The bill adds this English proficiency requirement to the state's existing commercial driver's license qualifications, aligning with federal standards for commercial vehicle operators.
The amendment added a new requirement that commercial driver license applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the English language, as established in federal regulation 49 C.F.R. § 391.11.
The enrolled version replaced outdated federal regulation dates (September 30, 2019) with current dates (January 1, 2026) and restructured the commercial driver license requirements into a clearer numbered format.
Signed by the Governor S.J. 518
Delivered to the Governor S.J. 510
Signed by the Speaker H.J. 543
Signed by the President S.J. 485
Senate Concurred in amendments Passed, YEAS 32, NAYS 2. S.J. 457
House of Representatives Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 60, NAYS 5. H.J. 472
House of Representatives Remove from Consent Calendar H.J. 457
Transportation Certified uncontested, placed on consent
Transportation Do Pass Amended Passed, YEAS 10, NAYS 0.
Transportation Motion to amend
Transportation Scheduled for hearing
House of Representatives Referred to House Transportation H.J. 262
First Reading House H.J. 247
Senate Do Pass Passed, YEAS 29, NAYS 5. S.J. 201
Transportation Do Pass Passed, YEAS 5, NAYS 2. S.J. 9
Transportation Scheduled for hearing S.J. 1
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Transportation S.J. 142
Prime sponsor · Sen.
R
Prime sponsor · Rep.
R
Concurred in amendments
Do Pass Amended
Transportation — Do Pass Amended
Do Pass
Transportation — Do Pass