Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF258

Introduced
2/9/23  
Engrossed
2/15/23  
Introduced
2/9/23  
Refer
2/21/23  
Engrossed
2/15/23  
Enrolled
5/9/23  
Refer
2/21/23  
Passed
6/1/23  
Enrolled
5/9/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, including compliance with federal regulations, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 92.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

Impact

The legislation establishes penalties for violations related to 'out-of-service' orders—a significant safety measure where drivers prohibited from operating are clearly defined and penalized. The bill mandates that multiple violations will incur increasingly severe fines, imposing financial responsibility not only on the drivers but also on employers who allow or require employees to operate commercial vehicles under these prohibited conditions. This dual layer of responsibility aims to bolster adherence to safety among all parties involved.

Summary

House File 258 focuses on enhancing regulations surrounding commercial drivers licenses (CDLs) and commercial learners permits in Iowa. It aims to ensure compliance with federal regulations while amending existing state laws to address the registration and operational standards for commercial vehicles. The bill encompasses specifics on issuing, renewing, and the potential downgrading of CDLs based on record checks and medical certification requirements, reinforcing the importance of drivers maintaining the necessary certifications to operate commercial vehicles safely.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HF258 appears largely supportive, reflecting a consensus on the necessity of stringent regulations to safeguard public safety on highways. The legislative discussions highlighted the importance of these amendments in aligning Iowa’s state laws with federal standards, which many lawmakers see as essential for maintaining a high level of road safety and driver accountability. While there may be concerns regarding the imposition of fines and penalties, the overarching narrative favors stricter regulatory compliance to reduce accidents and enhance safety protocols.

Contention

Despite the general support, some contention exists surrounding the potential financial burden on employers, particularly smaller businesses that may struggle with the implications of these heightened responsibilities. Critics of this dual liability structure argue that imposing substantial fines could inadvertently harm economic conditions for employers while doing little to improve safety if not paired with adequate training initiatives for operators. The legislation will thus need continuous evaluation to ensure that it balances public safety with reasonable operational capabilities for commercial enterprises.

Companion Bills

IA SF155

Similar To A bill for an act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, including compliance with federal regulations, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 1062.)

IA SSB1062

Related A bill for an act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, including compliance with federal regulations, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 155.)

IA HSB92

Related A bill for an act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, including compliance with federal regulations, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 258.)

Previously Filed As

IA SF155

A bill for an act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, including compliance with federal regulations, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 1062.)

IA SSB1062

A bill for an act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, including compliance with federal regulations, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 155.)

IA HSB92

A bill for an act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, including compliance with federal regulations, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 258.)

IA HF257

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. (Formerly HSB 28.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA SB59

Provide for the downgrade of commercial driver licenses and commercial learners permits upon notice of certain drug and alcohol violations.

IA S3134

Requires MVC to take certain action concerning commercial driver licenses and commercial learner's permits.

IA A4192

Requires MVC to take certain action concerning commercial driver licenses and commercial learner's permits.

IA SB1664

Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating an offense.

IA SB40

Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating an offense; authorizing fees.

IA HB45

Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating an offense; authorizing fees.

Similar Bills

CA AB1139

Development permits: commercial shopping centers: pedestrian accessibility.

CA SB869

Commercial financing.

HI HB2492

Relating To Commercial Driver's Licenses.

HI SB3181

Relating To Commercial Driver's Licenses.

HI SB563

Relating To Commercial Tenant Protection.

NM HB269

Fed Info For Commercial Driver's Licenses

HI HB759

Relating To Commercial Fishing.

HI SB1264

Relating To Commercial Fishing.