West Virginia 2024 Regular Session

West Virginia House Bill HB5317

Introduced
1/29/24  
Refer
1/29/24  
Engrossed
2/14/24  
Refer
2/15/24  
Refer
2/15/24  
Report Pass
2/26/24  
Enrolled
3/9/24  
Passed
3/9/24  

Caption

Making it permissive for commercial motor vehicles registered in this state to pass an annual inspection of all safety equipment to be consistent with the federal motor carrier safety regulations

Impact

The implications of HB 5317 are significant for transportation regulation within the state. By making the annual inspection for compliant commercial motor vehicles permissive rather than mandatory, it allows operators to ensure their vehicles meet safety standards without the obligation of routine checks faced by other vehicles. This change is expected to streamline inspection processes and could lead to cost savings for businesses operating in interstate commerce, as they would not face duplicated requirements at both state and federal levels.

Summary

House Bill 5317 introduces amendments to the West Virginia Code concerning the inspection of commercial motor vehicles to align state laws with federal motor carrier safety regulations. The bill allows for a permissive annual inspection of safety equipment on commercial vehicles, which is consistent with the requirements imposed by the federal government. This move is aimed at standardizing safety inspections for commercial vehicles registered in the state and aligning it with federally mandated safety measures, thus potentially enhancing road safety for all users.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment around the bill appears to be overwhelmingly supportive within legislative discussions. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the West Virginia State Police have backed the bill, highlighting its importance to maintain a safe transport system while minimizing the regulatory burden on commercial operators. However, there may be some concerns regarding the implications of permissive inspections when it could lead to reduced safety checks for vehicles, especially those not regularly monitored by other means.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise regarding the effectiveness of permissive safety inspections compared to mandatory ones. Critics may argue that allowing vehicles to bypass annual inspections could lead to unsafe vehicles remaining on the roads without adequate review of their condition. The potential for reduced oversight could spark a debate on the balance between regulation and ensuring operational viability for businesses within the transport sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV SB254

Relating generally to mandatory state inspection of certain motor vehicles

WV HB2886

Elimination of the required annual vehicle inspection for vehicles not requiring a “Modified Inspection”

WV HB2310

Provide the Division of Motor Vehicles authority to develop an “Antique Fleet” program so that multiple antique motor vehicles may utilize a single registration plate.

WV SB265

Allowing special license plate for antique motor vehicle to be permanent for life of vehicle

WV HB2305

Relating to titling and registration of foreign market vehicles

WV HB2439

Exempting from the sales tax all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles used as farm equipment

WV SB117

Relating to mandatory state inspections of motor vehicles

WV HB2234

Remove sales tax on gun safes and certain firearm safety devices

WV HCR65

Requesting a study of the effects of eliminating the mandatory inspection of motor vehicles

WV HB2047

Exempting motor vehicles from personal property tax

Similar Bills

CA AB486

Elementary and secondary education: omnibus bill.

CA SB1181

Elementary and secondary education: omnibus bill.

CA AB961

Education finance: school districts in fiscal distress: remedial actions.

CA AB1414

Landlord-tenant: internet service provider subscriptions.

CA AB375

Model curriculum standards: career technical education.

CA AB3179

Education finance: school district finances: Educational Employment Relations Act.

CA AB599

Public schools: accountability: county superintendents of schools.

LA HB276

Makes the office of state superintendent of education an elective rather than an appointed office (OR -$80,000 GF EX See Note)