JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI — Missouri is reviewing its commercial driver's license standards and holding a special House committee hearing after a truck driver was placed out of service for driving the wrong way on a state highway and failing a roadside English Language Proficiency test.

The legislative response comes after Abdiasis Ibrahim Ali of Minnesota was pulled over in late February for driving the wrong way on Highway 61 in Missouri. Once stopped by troopers, Ali failed a roadside ELP test and was found unable to read basic road signs. He was placed out of service, and the incident drew national attention after video of the wrong-way drive circulated widely online.

In response, Missouri Representative Don Mayhew introduced HB 3491, a bill that would modify CDL requirements for foreign applicants and raise standards for obtaining and maintaining valid commercial driver's licenses in the state. A special committee hearing on the bill was scheduled for March 4 at 4 p.m. in House Hearing Room 1 at the Missouri State Capitol. The hearing is open to the public.

"This hearing is about protecting Missouri families," said Representative Tricia Byrnes, chair of the House Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs. "When someone is operating an 80,000-pound vehicle on our highways, there can be no ambiguity about their ability to read road signs, understand traffic laws, and meet safety standards."

Representative Mayhew echoed the sentiment. "Missourians expect their licensing system to prioritize safety and accountability. HB 3491 is a commonsense step to ensure that standard is upheld."

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