Iowa House Bill HSB28

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/23
• Refer: 1/12/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to third-party testers who administer the knowledge and driving skills tests required for a commercial learner's permit or commercial driver's license.(See HF 257.)

Impact

By allowing the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) more authority to define who qualifies as a third-party tester, the bill could promote a broader participation of entities capable of offering testing services. This expansion may positively influence the ability of individuals wishing to obtain commercial licenses, potentially increasing the availability of testing opportunities in various areas of Iowa. The proposed changes aim at ensuring compliance with federal testing standards, which could bolster the integrity of the license acquisition process.

Summary

House Study Bill 28 (HSB28) is a legislative proposal aimed at refining the regulations surrounding third-party testers who are authorized to administer knowledge and driving skills tests required for obtaining a commercial learner's permit or commercial driver's license in Iowa. The bill modifies existing laws to eliminate specific types of entities that can qualify as third-party testers, while also setting forth requirements for third-party examiners to align with federal standards. This reflective change in procedure is intended to streamline and enhance the consistency of testing standards across the state.

Contention

Despite its intent to improve testing procedures, HSB28 may raise concerns regarding the removal of the specificity in the types of organizations allowed to conduct these tests, particularly the exclusion of certain types of third-party testers like Iowa-based motor carriers or nonprofit organizations. Critics of the bill might view this as a potential pathway to decreasing local oversight and quality control, fearing that it could facilitate lower testing standards if organizations lack adequate oversight from the DOT. Discussions around these points signal the nuances and varying perspectives on how best to prepare new drivers for commercial duties.