JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A bill in the Missouri House calls for commercial vehicle driver's license applicants to prove they have a firm grasp of the English language to obtain a CDL.

House Transportation Chairman Neal St. Onge introduced a bill (HB 1420) that would require the written test be offered only in English. Applicants ability to understand traffic signs and signals written in English also would be required. They would be prohibited from using interpreters or translators while taking the test.

St. Onge said he's concerned that people are allowed to drive commercial vehicles on Missouri roads without a command of the English language. He pointed out that federal regulations require applicants to be able to read and speak English sufficiently to get a CDL.

Opponents contend there are no studies that suggest English proficiency makes better drivers. They also voiced concern that adopting the strict standards would push certain companies to go "underground" to hire people to sit behind the wheel of trucks.

Advocates for the English standard say it's a matter of safety.

"It's a great thing," said Rick Craig, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association director of regulatory affairs. "All states should be doing it."

He also said that making the English requirement standard for both portions of the test is vital. "It's the only way you're really going to know for sure (applicants can communicate in English)."

Craig said that states allowing interpreters to aid test takers cloud the results. "How do you know the interpreter isn't giving them the answer?" he asked.

A separate bill is intended to get tough with businesses that hire illegal immigrants. The measure (HB 1381) would allow the state to suspend the business license of companies found to have "knowingly" employed, recruited or hired illegal immigrants.

Violation of the rule could result in the suspension of a company's state and local business license and registration.

Supporters say such a law would make the state less attractive for illegal immigrants. Opponents say it is the federal government's responsibility to enforce immigration laws.

Another bill of note (HB 1422) would authorize the state to implement and administer the Unified Carrier Registration Act. The UCRA is the process that replaces the old Single State Registration System.