Wyoming Lawmakers Advance Bill to Enforce English Proficiency for Commercial Drivers

Proposed legislation would allow law enforcement to cite and remove from service truck drivers who fail roadside language tests.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Wyoming Senate Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee has voted to advance a bill that would give law enforcement the authority to issue $1,000 citations to commercial truck drivers who fail to demonstrate basic English proficiency during roadside checks. The measure, known as House Bill 32, is in response to a recent executive order by former President Trump reinstating federal language requirements for commercial drivers, which had been reduced under the previous administration.

Why it matters

The proposed law is aimed at improving road safety by ensuring commercial drivers can comprehend traffic signs and instructions, but critics argue it could lead to discrimination against immigrant truck drivers. Supporters counter that the bill simply codifies existing federal standards, and that drivers unable to meet basic English proficiency pose a risk to other motorists.

The details

House Bill 32 would allow all Wyoming law enforcement officers, including sheriff's deputies and local police, to conduct roadside English proficiency tests on commercial drivers. Drivers who fail the test would be issued a $1,000 citation and 'taken out of service', meaning they cannot continue driving until they can pass the language exam. Repeat offenders could face additional $1,000 fines and potential arrest. The bill does not give officers the authority to conduct federal Department of Transportation safety inspections.

  • In June 2025, President Trump's executive order reinstating the federal English language proficiency requirement for commercial drivers went into effect.
  • Between June 2025 and the start of 2026, the Wyoming Highway Patrol found 775 commercial truck drivers in violation of the English language proficiency requirement, with 19 arrested for repeated offenses.
  • On February 24, 2026, the Wyoming Senate Transportation, Highways, and Military Affairs Committee met to discuss House Bill 32.

The players

Karl Germain

Lieutenant Colonel and Wyoming Highway Patrol Operations Commander, who described the details of House Bill 32 to the Senate committee.

Kyle McKay

Lieutenant and Wyoming Highway Patrol Commercial Carrier Supervisor, who provided data on the number of commercial drivers found in violation of the English language proficiency requirement.

John Kolb

Sweetwater County Senator, who asked questions about the process for dealing with truck drivers who fail the language test.

Ed Cooper

District 20 Senator representing Big Horn, Fremont, Hot Springs, Park, and Washakie Counties, who asked if House Bill 32 simply codifies federal statutes.

Stephan Pappas

Committee Chairman Senator, who refuted claims that noncompliant drivers pose little danger on the roads.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The full Wyoming Senate must pass House Bill 32 two more times before it can be signed into law by Governor Mark Gordon.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation highlights the ongoing debate over balancing public safety concerns with potential discrimination against immigrant commercial drivers. While supporters argue the bill simply codifies existing federal standards, critics contend it could lead to unfair targeting of drivers based on their language abilities.