Relating to sufficient English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers, and providing penalties

Where it is now

1. ✓
   Done: IntroducedFebruary 2, 2026
2. ✓
   Done: SubcommitteeFebruary 9, 2026
3. ✓
   Done: House committeeFebruary 18, 2026
4. –
   Skipped: Passes the HouseContinued as HF 2700
5. Next: Senate committee
6. Next: Passes the Senate
7. Next: To the Governor
8. Next: Signed into law

Became HF 2700 → Its progress continues under the new number. Go to HF 2700 What’s a funnel?

Amendments · 9

3 adopted · 0 failed · 1 never voted on. Newest first.

• S-5148 · filed March 31, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment clarifies that trucking companies cannot hire drivers, including independent contractors, who do not meet specific federal English proficiency standards. It adds a rule that officers must issue an out-of-service order to companies found using unqualified drivers and sets a ten thousand dollar fine for each violation. It also requires officers to notify the company and the cargo owner of a vehicle's location so they can arrange for a qualified driver to take over.
  Never voted on
• H-8265 · filed March 25, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment specifies that trucking companies can face a serious misdemeanor charge, a ten thousand dollar fine, and up to one year in jail for hiring drivers who lack English proficiency. It also requires officers to issue out-of-service orders to companies found violating these rules and mandates that the company and cargo owner be notified of the vehicle's location during a stop.
  Adopted
  March 31, 2026
• H-8087 · filed March 3, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment requires members of the Iowa General Assembly and the Executive Council to pass the same English language proficiency test required for commercial drivers. It also requires the public scores of these lawmakers and council members to be published in official journals and on the General Assembly's website.
  Withdrawn
  March 31, 2026
• H-8081 · filed March 3, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment expands the bill to include people who own or operate a commercial motor carrier, rather than just focusing on drivers. It also updates the title to reflect that these rules apply to owners and operators of commercial motor carriers.
  Withdrawn
  March 31, 2026
• H-8065 · filed March 2, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment changes the name of the department mentioned in the bill from the Department of Transportation to the Department of Public Safety.
  Ruled out of order
  March 31, 2026
• H-8061 · filed February 26, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment adds a rule that if a trucking company commits a fourth or more violation, they must stop operating until their owners and managers complete training from the Department of Transportation.
  Ruled out of order
  March 31, 2026
• H-8060 · filed February 26, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment removes the English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers from the bill. It also removes the sections regarding penalties and the prohibition on trucking companies hiring drivers who do not meet these requirements.
  Withdrawn
  March 31, 2026
• H-8054 · filed February 26, 2026 by

  AI summary This amendment adds an exception so that people who have already passed the English test do not have to take it again. It also changes the penalties for violations, allowing a peace officer to issue an out-of-service order instead of a criminal penalty for certain drivers. Finally, it updates the language requirements to follow specific federal regulations.

  Amends this HF 2700 to CONFORM to SF 2426
  Adopted
  March 31, 2026
• S-5029 · filed February 25, 2026 by Sen. Ken Rozenboom (R)

  AI summary This amendment adds an exception so that people who have already passed the English proficiency test do not have to take it again. It also changes the penalties for violations, allowing a peace officer to issue an out-of-service order instead of a criminal penalty for certain drivers. Finally, it updates the language requirements to align with specific federal regulations.
  Adopted
  February 25, 2026