Adds new English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. Prohibits carriers from employing drivers who do not meet the proficiency standard, and establish civil penalties for violations..

Proposes amending Iowa Code to add new English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. Under the bill, the Iowa Department of Transportation would deny issuance or renewal of a CDL or commercial learner�s permit (CLP) to any person who fails to demonstrate sufficient English language proficiency in a manner consistent with federal standards. Also prohibits commercial motor carriers from employing or engaging drivers who are not sufficiently proficient in English, with civil penalties ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 for carriers that violate this provision. Additionally, drivers found operating a commercial motor vehicle without the required proficiency would be subject to civil penalties and criminal misdemeanor penalties, and the bill includes provisions related to vehicle removal and transfer of cargo in these cases. The department would be required to administer proficiency examinations and would be prohibited from enforcing the law where doing so would jeopardize federal funds or violate federal law.

Pending House action. Companion to HF 2700.

02/02/2026 Introduced. Referred to Senate Committee on Transportation.
02/09/2026 Subcommittee meeting.
02/10/2026 Subcommittee meeting.
02/11/2026 Subcommittee recommends amendment and passage.
02/23/2026 Committee report approves amended bill. Renumbered as SF 2426 (previously SF 2173).
02/23/2026 Introduced as SF 2426..
02/232026 Committee report approves bill.
02/25/2026 Fiscal note received in Senate.
02/25/2026 Amendment S-5029 filed and adopted.
02/25/2026 Passed Senate.
02/25/2026 Message to House from Senate.
02/06/2026 Read first time in House. Passed on file. Fiscal note received.
02/26/2026 Amendment H-8060 filed.
02/26/2026 Amendment H-8061 filed.
03/02/2026 Amendments H-8065, H-8081 filed. Fiscal note received.
03/03/2026 Amendment H-8087 filed in House.