The Joint Committee on Transportation of the Oregon State Legislature convened on April 14, 2025, to discuss House Bill 2990, which aims to address significant disparities in the pass rates of the Class C driver knowledge test among non-English speakers, particularly Spanish speakers.

The bill directs the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to establish an Office of Language Translation. This office will focus on creating consistent and accurate translations of DMV materials into the five most commonly spoken languages in Oregon. Currently, the pass rate for Spanish speakers taking the driver knowledge test is alarmingly low at just 21%, compared to a 50% pass rate for English speakers. This disparity highlights a critical barrier that affects thousands of Oregonians, particularly in communities with limited English proficiency.

Representatives Travis Nelson and Leslie Munoz emphasized the importance of this legislation, noting that the current translation process has led to inconsistencies that hinder non-English speakers from adequately preparing for the test. The proposed office will contract with a single translation service to ensure uniformity and clarity in DMV communications. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for a grant program aimed at providing traffic safety education courses in languages other than English, which is expected to increase the number of licensed drivers from diverse communities.

The DMV administrator, Amy Joyce, expressed support for the bill, acknowledging the ongoing efforts to improve translation services but recognizing that disparities persist. She noted that the implementation of the bill will be gradual and will require additional funding, as it is not currently included in the governor's budget for 2025-2027.

Overall, House Bill 2990 represents a significant step towards equitable access to driver education and licensing in Oregon, aiming to eliminate barriers faced by non-English speakers and improve road safety for all residents. The committee's discussions underscored the urgency of addressing these disparities and the collaborative efforts needed to implement the proposed changes effectively.