California Assembly Bill AB2141

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/20
• Refer: 2/20/20
• Report Pass: 3/4/20
• Refer: 3/5/20
• Report Pass: 5/5/20
• Refer: 5/5/20
• Report Pass: 6/2/20
• Engrossed: 6/8/20
• Refer: 6/9/20
• Refer: 6/23/20
• Report Pass: 8/4/20
• Refer: 8/4/20
• Enrolled: 8/28/20
• Chaptered: 9/9/20
• Passed: 9/9/20

Caption

Department of Motor Vehicles.

Impact

This legislation significantly impacts how state law accommodates military personnel seeking commercial driver's licenses. By removing the prohibitions against waiving fees or examinations, the bill provides trade-offs that may assist veterans and active-duty personnel in transitioning to civilian employment in industries requiring CDLs. The bill fosters greater accessibility to commercial driving careers by aligning the state's requirements with existing federal guidelines designed to expedite licensing for military members. This change can reduce barriers for service members asserting their valuable skills gained through military training.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2141, introduced by Mathis, addresses amendments to the Vehicle Code that pertain to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the process of obtaining commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) for current and former members of the United States Armed Forces. The bill aligns state laws with federal regulations, recognizing the unique training and operational experience that military personnel may have in operating commercial vehicles. A key change proposed in this bill is to waive certain testing requirements—both knowledge and driving skills tests—for those military members who qualify based on specified criteria related to their military experience.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding AB 2141 appears to be supportive, particularly among veterans' advocacy groups and lawmakers keen on assisting servicemen and women in their transition to civilian life. Many see the bill as a positive step towards acknowledging the skills of military personnel and making it easier for them to reintegrate into the workforce. However, some concerns may arise regarding the potential implications for public safety and the thoroughness of licensing protocols if testing and fees are waived.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, potential contention could arise over the removal of examination requisites, raising debates about maintaining competency standards within commercial driving. Critics might argue that waiving tests could lead to an influx of inadequately trained drivers on the roads, which could contradict efforts aimed at ensuring public safety. Discussions on the bill may thus revolve around finding a balance between supporting veterans and ensuring rigorous licensing standards remain enforced, reflecting broader themes of veteran support versus public safety.