SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5629
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of February 15, 2011
Title: An act relating to the certification of commercial driver's license holders and applicants.
Brief Description: Concerning the certification of commercial driver's license holders and applicants.
Sponsors: Senators White and Haugen; by request of Department of Licensing.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/15/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION |
Staff: Katherine Taylor (786-7434)
Background: Due to new federal law requirements, interstate commercial driver license (CDL) holders are now required to meet more stringent physical qualification requirements. Drivers are required to provide a valid medical certificate to Department of Licensing (DOL) that certifies their eligibility for driving commercial motor vehicles.
Summary of Bill: The medical certificate requirements include the following:
CDL holders must self-certify the type of driving they expect to engage in, specifically non-excepted interstate, excepted interstate, non-excepted intrastate, and excepted intrastate;
CDL holders who operate in interstate non-exempt commerce must provide current medical examination information when applying for, renewing, or transferring a CDL;
CDL holders must keep all medical requirements current or risk having their CDL privileges removed;
DOL must notify a driver about certain medical certificate requirements;
DOL must maintain medical certificate information as part of the CDL record and national system used for communicating commercial driver information.
Additionally, current law is amended to include federal medical variances, which enables drivers who do not meet certain physical qualifications to operate commercial motor vehicles.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on January 30, 2012.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Washington State would be able to meet federal requirements and therefore no longer risk penalties to drivers and loss of highway funds.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Clark Holloway, Tandy Alexander, DOL.