Louisiana House Bill HB838

Louisiana 2016 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/4/16
• Refer: 3/14/16
• Report Pass: 3/29/16

Caption

Provides relative to background checks for employees of third party testers or agents for the office of motor vehicles

Impact

By implementing these changes, HB 838 seeks to ease the burden on third-party testing organizations while maintaining necessary public safety standards. It aligns the requirements for third-party testers with those already in place for state employees, thus standardizing the background checking process across the board. The reduction in requirements for fingerprint checks may also facilitate greater participation from private providers, which could enhance the availability of commercial driving tests throughout the state.

Summary

House Bill 838 aims to amend the regulations concerning background checks for principals of third-party examiners or testers involved in administering commercial driving tests in Louisiana. The bill mandates that after the initial background check, the annual checks for these principals shall follow similar requirements as those for employees of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections' office of motor vehicles. This includes the significant change that fingerprint submission will not be required for these annual checks, potentially streamlining the process for third-party entities seeking to contract with the state.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around HB 838 appears to be supportive among legislators who view these changes as a means to encourage economic activity by making it easier for third parties to provide essential services like driving tests. Advocates argue that simplifying the regulations can increase the number of available testers and improve access for applicants. However, there may be concerns among some stakeholders regarding the adequacy of safety measures without the fingerprint checks, raising questions about how this may impact the integrity of the testing process.

Contention

Despite the general support for HB 838, notable points of contention may arise. Critics could argue that reducing the rigor of background checks, particularly the elimination of fingerprints, might compromise safety. This concern underscores an essential balance between regulatory efficiency and ensuring public trust in the integrity of commercial driving examinations. Stakeholders may express differing views on whether the benefits of increased testing availability outweigh potential risks associated with less comprehensive background checks.