Iowa Senate Bill SSB1027

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to restricted commercial driver's licenses for certain persons employed in designated farm-related service industries.(See SF 156.)

Impact

The implementation of SSB1027 could streamline the process for obtaining a commercial driver’s license for certain farm-related workers, reducing the regulatory burden on those businesses by offering an alternative path to compliance with CDL standards. This change is significant as it enables seasonal and practical needs of agricultural employers to be met without the lengthy traditional licensing process. In addition, the regulatory clarity could potentially enhance operational efficiency during peak agricultural seasons.

Summary

Senate Study Bill 1027 aims to establish a framework for issuing restricted commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to individuals employed in designated farm-related service industries. The bill seeks to replace existing provisions that provide exemptions from CDL requirements for agricultural suppliers with a more structured licensing process. Under this new regulation, the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) would issue these restricted licenses to qualifying individuals, allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles as specified under federal regulations.

Contention

While the bill is intended to facilitate the mobility of farm-related workers, there may be concerns regarding safety and the adequacy of training for those holding restricted CDLs. Critics of the bill could argue that lowering the barrier for licensing could compromise the safety standards seen with full CDLs. Furthermore, there may be discussions about how this bill fits into broader regulatory frameworks and the extent to which it might impact existing labor laws or transportation safety measures.