Arkansas Pulls HB1569, Now English is Focus of New Bill

Controversial Arkansas Bill Targeting Immigrant Truck Drivers Withdrawn

Arkansas HB1569 Withdrawn After Weeks of Debate

In a surprising turn, Arkansas lawmakers have withdrawn a controversial bill that proposed harsh new rules for noncitizen commercial truck drivers. The bill, known as the Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025 (HB1569), sparked debate for several weeks after it was introduced in February.

HB1569 would have required all commercial vehicle drivers in Arkansas to hold a U.S.-issued Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). It also included steep fines and felony charges for noncitizen drivers involved in accidents. Another part of the bill required drivers to prove they could read and speak English well enough to communicate during emergencies and understand traffic signs.

The bill drew criticism from civil rights groups, trucking advocates, and legal experts. Many warned that the proposed changes could lead to discrimination, worsen the driver shortage, and bring legal challenges.

On April 7, HB1569 was officially withdrawn by its sponsor, Rep. Wayne Long.

New Arkansas Bill Focuses on English Proficiency

Just days before HB1569 was pulled, Rep. Long introduced a new, more limited bill focused only on English language proficiency. House Bill 1914 (HB1914) was filed on March 31 and advanced to the full House by the Public Transportation Committee on April 3.

HB1914 proposes changes to the Arkansas Motor Carrier Act of 1955. It would make it an offense for someone to operate a commercial motor vehicle without enough English language skill to:

• Talk with members of the public
• Understand traffic signs and signals in English
• Respond to questions from law enforcement or other officials
• Fill out required reports and records

Violators would face a $500 fine for a first offense. Repeat violations would bring a $1,000 fine.

Why English Proficiency Is Already Regulated

The issue of English proficiency isn’t new in the trucking world. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) already requires all commercial drivers to have basic English skills. Drivers must be able to read road signs, understand traffic signals, and communicate with law enforcement and the public.

However, in 2016, the FMCSA issued a memo that changed how English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations were handled. The agency removed the rule that allowed inspectors to place drivers out of service for failing to meet language requirements. Since then, enforcement has largely relied on carrier oversight and the CDL testing process. HB1914 would reintroduce direct enforcement at the state level, but with monetary penalties instead of vehicle shutdowns.

Potential Legal and Civil Rights Concerns

While HB1914 is more limited than HB1569, it may still raise legal questions. Critics could argue that the bill opens the door for selective enforcement or profiling based on perceived national origin or language skills.

Some civil rights advocates may see the bill as a step toward broader exclusionary policies. Even without references to immigration status, enforcement could disproportionately affect non-native English speakers or individuals with speech or learning disabilities.

If HB1914 becomes law, it could face court challenges—especially if it’s enforced inconsistently or if penalties are applied without clear standards.

What’s Next for Arkansas HB1914?

As of April 3, HB1914 has passed the House Public Transportation Committee and is now headed to the full Arkansas House of Representatives for debate and a vote. If approved, it will move on to the state Senate for further consideration.

The bill must pass both chambers before it can be signed into law. While it has gained early momentum, further discussions in the House and Senate may determine how much support it has—and whether it faces amendments along the way.