DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 589 Engrossed 2024 Regular Session Galle
Abstract: Prohibits the issuance of a commercial driver's license or learner's permit if the applicant
is not cleared through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Drug, and Alcohol
Clearinghouse.
Present law specifies the department to initiate and complete a check of the applicant's driving record
to ensure that the person is not subject to any disqualifications, suspensions, revocations, or
cancellations and that the driver does not have a driver's license from more than one state.
Present law requires that beginning on or after Jan. 6, 2023, a check with the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration, Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, on all applicants for the transfer, issuance,
renewal, or upgrade of a commercial driver's license.
Proposed law changes the date in present law from Jan. 6, 2023, to Nov. 18, 2024. Additionally,
specifies that a check required in present law is on all applications for the transfer, issuance, renewal,
or upgrade of a commercial driver's license or a commercial learner's permit.
Proposed law specifies that if the department receives notification that the applicant is prohibited
from operating a commercial motor, the department cannot issue, renew, upgrade, or transfer a
commercial learner's permit. Further specifies in the event the department receives such notification
from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse separate from any applicant made pursuant to proposed
law the department must downgrade or disqualify the commercial driver's license or learner's permit
in the same manner as provided for the suspension, revocation, or denial of driver's license as
provided in present law.
Proposed law specifies that the inadvertent issuance of a commercial driver's license or learner's
permit to an applicant will not be considered a breach of duty on the part of the department to the
public or the individual.
(Amends R.S. 32:409.1(A)(6)(d))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Transportation, Highways and
Public Works to the original bill:
1. Change the date in present law from "January 6, 2025" to "November 18, 2024". 2. Change the reference in present law from all "applicants" to "applications" for the
transfer, issuance, renewal, or upgrade of a commercial's driver's license.