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HB 1569

TO CREATE THE SECURE ROADS AND SAFE TRUCKING ACT OF 2025; TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING COMMERCIAL DRIVERS; TO CREATE PENALTIES FOR OFFENSES COMMITTED WHILE OPERATING A COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE; AND TO DECLARE AN EMERGENCY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Wayne Long and 1 co-sponsor

House Bill 1569 aimed to enhance road safety by requiring English proficiency for commercial drivers, imposing penalties for violations, and clarifying licensing rules.

WITHDRAWN BY AUTHOR
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1569

Summary of House Bill 1569: Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025

Bill Number: HB 1569
Introduced: February 24, 2025
Status: Withdrawn by Author on April 7, 2025

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1569, titled the Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025, aimed to enhance safety standards for commercial drivers and vehicles operating within the state of Arkansas. The bill sought to establish stricter requirements for English language proficiency among commercial drivers, impose penalties for various offenses committed while operating commercial motor vehicles, and clarify licensing requirements for drivers.

Key Provisions

The bill included several significant provisions, which can be summarized as follows:

  1. English Proficiency Requirement:

    • Operators of commercial motor vehicles would be required to demonstrate proficiency in English to read road signs, understand traffic control devices, and communicate effectively in emergencies.

  2. Commercial Driver License (CDL) Requirements:

    • Individuals operating commercial vehicles must possess a valid CDL issued by a U.S. state, territory, or a valid license from Canada or Mexico, along with a valid work visa if applicable.

  3. Restrictions on Visa Holders:

    • The bill prohibited holders of B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visitor visas from operating commercial motor vehicles in Arkansas. Violations would result in vehicle impoundment and a fine of $5,000.

  4. Penalties for Offenses:

    • The legislation proposed new criminal penalties for various offenses, including:
      • Operating without a valid CDL: A violation subject to a $5,000 fine.
      • Criminal use of a commercial motor vehicle: Classified as a Class D felony with a minimum six-month imprisonment for non-citizens without a valid CDL causing bodily harm.
      • Vehicular homicide: A Class B felony with a minimum ten-year imprisonment for non-citizens without a valid CDL causing death while operating a commercial vehicle.

  5. Liability for Commercial Motor Carriers:

    • Commercial motor carriers could face penalties for providing vehicles to ineligible operators, defined as those violating the CDL or English proficiency requirements.

Impact

The proposed legislation would have affected:
- Commercial Drivers: Stricter requirements for licensing and language proficiency.
- Commercial Motor Carriers: Increased liability and penalties for employing ineligible drivers.
- Public Safety: Aimed at reducing accidents and improving communication on the roads.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill underwent several legislative actions, including amendments and readings in the House of Representatives.
  • It was placed on second reading for amendment on March 12, 2025, and subsequently withdrawn by the author on April 7, 2025, before it could be enacted.

Conclusion

While House Bill 1569 was withdrawn and did not become law, its provisions reflected ongoing discussions about improving safety standards in the trucking industry and ensuring that commercial drivers meet specific qualifications to operate safely on Arkansas roads.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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