SB 83 South Dakota Senate · 2026 Regular Session

require that any holder of a commercial driver license in this state must be proficient in the English language, and to provide a penalty therefor.

SB 83 requires all commercial driver license (CDL) holders and applicants in South Dakota to demonstrate English language proficiency, aligning with federal standards (49 C.F.R. § 391.11). This applies directly to individuals seeking or holding CDLs for commercial motor vehicles in the state. The bill amends existing licensing rules to add this requirement, which must be satisfied alongside other federal and state conditions like passing knowledge/skills tests and completing entry-level training. Violations may result in penalties, though specific enforcement details are not outlined in the provided text.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Jan 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2026 Last action Jan 23, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Jan 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Transportation Deferred to the 41st legislative day , Passed, YEAS 4, NAYS 3 S.J. 6
upper
Jan 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Transportation Do Pass Amended , Passed, YEAS 3, NAYS 4 S.J. 6
upper
Jan 23, 2026
Introduced
Transportation Motion to amend , Passed, S.J. 5 Amendment 83A
upper
Jan 14, 2026
Introduced
First read in Senate and referred to Senate Transportation S.J. 35
upper
29 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors