Bill
Bill > HB1252
NH HB1252
NH HB1252Requiring the department of safety to only administer tests for commercial driver's licenses in English and prohibiting the assistance of an interpreter during such tests.
summary
Introduced
12/01/2025
12/01/2025
In Committee
04/30/2026
04/30/2026
Crossed Over
03/17/2026
03/17/2026
Passed
07/10/2026
07/10/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
07/10/2026
07/10/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill: I. Codifies the recent enforcement of a federal requirement that the administration of the skills test for commercial driver's licenses only be conducted in English and that interpreters are not permitted for the administration of the skills test. II. Extends the same requirements for the administration of the knowledge test for commercial driver's licenses. III. Directs the department of safety to adopt rules regarding the requirement and to provide notice and an opportunity for hearing to current licensees required to pass an examination in English in order to maintain their license. IV. Provides an exemption for the use of interpreters for the knowledge and skills test where such individual or licensee qualifies or previously qualified for a federal exemption pursuant to 49 C.F.R. part 391.
AI Summary
This bill requires the department of safety to administer all knowledge and skills tests for commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) exclusively in English, prohibiting the use of interpreters during these tests, except for individuals who qualify for a federal exemption under 49 C.F.R. part 391. This codifies a recent federal enforcement action and extends it to the knowledge test, meaning applicants must understand and respond to instructions in English from examiners and the knowledge test will be written and administered solely in English. The department of safety is also directed to create rules regarding these requirements and to notify current CDL holders who may need to retake an examination in English to maintain their licenses, with an opportunity for a hearing.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (7)
Ted Gorski (R)*,
Jim Creighton (R),
Brian Labrie (R),
Denise Ricciardi (R),
Kimberly Rice (R),
Matt Sabourin (R),
Thomas Walsh (R),
Last Action
Signed by Governor Ayotte 07/02/2026; Chapter 221; eff. 8/31/2026 (on 07/10/2026)
Bill Topics
Transportation
- ‐ Truck and Automobile Safety
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_Status/billinfo.aspx?id=1976&inflect=2 | 11/26/2025 |
| BillText | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2026&txtFormat=html&v=SA&id=1976 | 05/08/2026 |
| BillText | https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/billText.aspx?sy=2026&id=1976&txtFormat=html | 12/01/2025 |
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