OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill aimed at tightening English-language proficiency and citizenship requirements for commercial drivers in Oklahoma advanced through the House on April 24, 2025, sparking controversy and concern among critics regarding its potential impact on local businesses.
Senate Bill 20, known as the "Oklahoma Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025," was authored by Rep. Jonathan Wilk, R-Goldsby. The legislation passed through a House committee with a party-line vote, reflecting the divided opinions on the issue.
The bill mandates that all operators of commercial motor vehicles in Oklahoma demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language. This includes the ability to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. If a commercial vehicle operator fails to meet these language requirements, law enforcement is directed to impound and tow their vehicle.
Additionally, SB20 requires that commercial drivers possess a valid commercial driver license (CDL) issued by a U.S. state, territory, or possession, or by Canada or Mexico, along with a valid work visa. Drivers are also required to carry proof of citizenship for the country that issued their license.
Notably, the bill prohibits individuals holding B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visitor visas from operating commercial vehicles within the state. Those found in violation of this provision could face administrative fines of up to $2,000, while U.S. motor carriers that employ or contract with B-1 or B-2 visa holders would be subject to fines of up to $5,000.
Critics of SB20 have voiced strong opposition, arguing that the legislation has undergone drastic changes from its original intent, which focused on the legality of ATVs on certain U.S. highways. Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, expressed concerns that the new provisions could burden businesses and discourage trucking companies from operating in Oklahoma. "This bill could be a burden on businesses and force them to drive around Oklahoma rather than travel through the state," Alonso-Sandoval said.
Supporters of the bill, however, argue that it is a necessary measure to ensure public safety on Oklahoma roads. Rep. Wilk defended the legislation, stating that it is essential to ensure that businesses operate with qualified and safe drivers. He emphasized that traffic fatalities have increased since federal rules were amended to allow states to waive certain commercial driver testing requirements.
According to a National Safety Council analysis, the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes has risen slightly since 2016. Wilk pointed to a 2016 memorandum from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that removed the requirement to place drivers out of service for English Language Proficiency violations, altering the standards for determining non-compliance with these rules.
Support for similar measures has emerged in neighboring states, with Arkansas recently enacting Act 604, which also requires English language proficiency for commercial drivers and makes it a crime to present a fake CDL. This law also mandates U.S. work authorization for truck drivers operating with valid foreign-issued CDLs.
While Wilk mentioned that he hasn't consulted with any Oklahoma-based trucking associations regarding the bill, he noted that truckers in his district had requested the measure. He clarified that the bill does not prohibit licensed drivers from other states from passing through Oklahoma.
Rep. Annie Menz, D-Norman, raised concerns about the changes to the bill and suggested that more consideration is needed. "You should still feel empowered to want to work on it more if you want to," she urged Wilk. "It’s something that your name is on. The people of your district, their name is on it through that. So would you be willing to, no pun intended, park it here in this lovely committee … to be able to work on the language?"
As the bill continues to move through the legislative process, its implications for commercial drivers and businesses operating in Oklahoma remain a hot topic of discussion. Supporters maintain that the legislation is a necessary step toward improving road safety, while critics warn of the potential economic repercussions and the challenges it may pose for those working in the trucking industry.
With the ongoing debate surrounding SB20, it remains to be seen how lawmakers will address the concerns raised by both sides as they work toward a resolution that balances safety and economic viability.
