HB 1231 -- DRIVER'S LICENSE EXAMINATIONS

SPONSOR:  Davis

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
International Trade and Immigration by a vote of 7 to 1.

This bill requires Missouri driver's license examinations to be
administered in English so that the applicant can demonstrate his
or her ability to sufficiently understand highway traffic signs
and safety warnings.  The Director of the Department of Revenue
cannot supply or permit the use of language interpreters in
connection with the required written and driving tests.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on General Revenue Fund in FY 2011, FY
2012, and FY 2013.  Estimated Income on Other State Funds of $0
in FY 2011, $46,000 in FY 2012, and $0 in FY 2013.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that this is a matter of public
safety, will save the state money, and will encourage immigrants
to learn the English language.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Davis; and Honorable
Randy Terrill, Oklahoma House of Representatives.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that it unfairly
discriminates against persons who are not proficient in or cannot
read English.  Driver's license officials are allowed to read the
test to illiterate Missourians who cannot read the street signs
in any language but requires immigrants who read in another
language to take the written exam in English.

Testifying against the bill were American Civil Liberties Union
of Eastern Missouri; and Jorge Riopedre, Hispanic Chamber of
Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis.

OTHERS:  Others testifying on the bill say that Missouri
currently administers the written test in 12 languages and allows
interpreters.

Testifying on the bill was State Highway Patrol.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 14, 2010 at 3:10 pm