PILOT PROGRAM FOR SKILLS TESTING
FOR VALID COMMERCIAL LICENSE PERMIT
House Bill 5656 (H-1, as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Rep. Marilyn Lane
House Bill 5657 (H-1, as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Rep. Peter Pettalia
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 6-8-16
SUMMARY:
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code by adding a new Section 312j to require the Michigan Department of State (SOS) to establish a pilot program that provides for the skills testing of an individual who is the holder of a valid commercial license permit issued by a state other than Michigan. (Proposed MCL 257.312j)
An individual who holds a valid commercial learner's permit issued by another state would not be eligible for skills testing in this state unless the following are satisfied:
· The individual has successfully completed a truck driver training curriculum that has been approved by the SOS and provided by a person approved to provide truck driver training as described under the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act (MCL 256.621 et al.)
· The state that issued the commercial learner's permit is a participant in an electronic national commercial driver examination reporting system in which Michigan is also a participant as of the bill's effective date.
The pilot program would continue until SOS adopts curriculum requirements for a person providing education to individuals seeking to obtain a vehicle group designation or endorsement as described in the code.
[Generally speaking, before operating a commercial motor vehicle, a driver must obtain a commercial driver license with the required vehicle group designation. There are three group designations, based on weight and other vehicle characteristics, and there are also a number of endorsements required, based on the number of passengers or the kind of cargo involved. For a description of the categories, see:
http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8669_53324-213070--,00.html]
House Bill 5657
Under the Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act, a driver education provider must verify that the student has a valid temporary instruction permit issued by the Secretary of State before providing behind-the-wheel driver education course instruction to an adult or truck driver training student.
House Bill 5657 would amend the act to say "or that the student has a valid commercial learner's permit issued by a state other than this state." (MCL 256.675)
House Bill 5657 is tie-barred to House Bill 5656 meaning it would not take effect unless House Bill 5656 is enacted. Both bills would take effect 90 days after enactment.
FISCAL IMPACT:
HB 5657 would have no fiscal impact on the Department of State or local governments.
HB 5656 would result in a minimal fiscal impact on the Department of State. There would be a slight increase of costs for the department, resulting from crafting and running the pilot program until the permanent requirements would be in place. The increased costs should be covered under current funding levels.
Fiscal Analyst: Perry Zielak
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.