Florida HB 1307 Advances: English-Only Driver Tests

Florida lawmakers advanced HB 1307, which would codify a new rule requiring all driver license tests, procedures, and instructions to be conducted exclusively in English, prohibiting interpreters, translators, or alternate language accommodations. Sponsored by Reps. Berny Jacques (R-Seminole) and Kiyan Michael (R-Miami), the bill cleared its first House panel (Commerce Committee) on a mostly party-line vote and heads to further committees amid arguments framing it as a road safety measure versus a barrier for non-English speakers. The broader measure also penalizes employers hiring undocumented immigrants, presumes out-of-state non-citizens liable in accidents, and restricts other licenses for unauthorized aliens.