English language proficiency enforcement

(a) State program requirement Section 31311 of title 49, United States Code, as amended by section 2, is further amended by adding at the end the following: (27) Before a commercial driver’s license or commercial learner’s permit is issued or renewed, the State shall require each applicant to pass one or more standardized English language proficiency assessments established and approved by the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that— (A) evaluate an applicant’s ability to read and understand English sufficiently to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle, including the ability to— (i) read and understand road signs and safety instructions; (ii) understand and respond to spoken instructions and emergency communications; and (iii) complete driver logs, reports, and other required documentation; and (B) contains— (i) a minimum passing standard appropriate to the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle; and (ii) reasonable procedures consistent with applicable Federal law for applicants who use American Sign Language.. (b) State reporting Each State shall provide to the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration aggregate and compliance information concerning English language proficiency testing as the Administrator determines necessary to administer and enforce the amendments made by this section.