SB 1295
An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in commercial drivers, further providing for purpose and construction of chapter, for definitions and for commercial driver's license qualification standards, providing for English proficiency standard, further providing for nonresident CDL, for application for commercial driver's license and for disqualification and providing for annual report; and imposing penalties.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code to strengthen commercial driver licensing standards. It clarifies definitions related to commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), including those for non-residents and individuals with limited English proficiency. The bill also introduces a new English proficiency standard for CDL holders and outlines penalties for providing false information on applications and for operating a commercial motor vehicle while not meeting the required English proficiency. Finally, it requires an annual report mirroring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Annual Program Review.
Key provisions
- Establishes an English proficiency standard for commercial driver’s licenses.
- Defines ‘evidence of lawful immigration status’ and ‘nondomiciled CDL’ according to federal regulations.
- Creates a process for issuing nondomiciled CDLs to foreign residents with lawful immigration status.
- Imposes penalties for providing false information on CDL applications.
- Requires drivers to complete entry-level driver training consistent with federal regulations.
- Allows for waiver of skills tests for drivers holding valid Class 2, 3, or 4 licenses who meet English proficiency standards and federal regulations.
- Mandates an annual report to the Transportation Committees mirroring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Annual Program Review.
- Specifies penalties for violating English proficiency standards, including fines and disqualification.
Who is affected
- Commercial drivers
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Patrick Stefano
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours