Iowa Senate Bill SF156

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23

Caption

A bill for an act relating to restricted commercial driver's licenses for certain persons employed in designated farm-related service industries.(Formerly SSB 1027.)

Impact

One of the major impacts of this bill would be the introduction of a standardized process for issuing restricted CDLs to qualified individuals employed in the agriculture sector, such as agri-chemical businesses, custom harvesters, and livestock feeders. The new regulatory framework is designed to facilitate the operation of commercial motor vehicles within the agricultural industry, particularly during the busy seasonal periods. However, it also imposes strict criteria, requiring applicants to maintain a good driving record and to have held a motor vehicle operator's license for at least one year.

Summary

Senate File 156, introduced by the Committee on Transportation, aims to make changes to the way restricted commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) are issued to individuals employed in designated farm-related service industries. The bill seeks to align state regulations with federal guidelines under 49 C.F.R. 383.3(f), which allows states to waive the knowledge and skills testing requirements for employees working within these specific sectors. The proposal represents a significant shift from the current system, which applies exemptions to CDL requirements only under certain conditions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SF156 center on the implications for safety and regulatory oversight within the agricultural industry. Opponents may view the relaxation of testing and certification requirements as a potential compromise to road safety, raising concerns about adequately preparing drivers for the responsibilities associated with operating larger vehicles. The bill's provisions also cap the validity of a restricted CDL to no more than 210 days per year and prohibit holders from operating vehicles beyond 150 miles from their place of business, adding another layer of regulation that may be debated in legislative discussions.