Relating to the administration of the motorcycle operator training and safety program and requirements for the issuance of certain driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses; requiring an occupational license; authorizing a fee.
Impact
If passed, SB 478 would significantly revise the existing framework for motorcycle safety training in Texas. The bill will empower the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to approve additional training providers beyond those previously sanctioned, fostering a more competitive training market. It also brings clarity to instructor licensing requirements, including comprehensive background checks, aiming to ensure only qualified candidates can teach motorcycle safety. This adjustment is intended to strengthen the safety protocols within the motorcycle community and facilitate better training pathways for new riders.
Summary
Senate Bill 478, introduced by Senator Zain, focuses on enhancing the administration of the motorcycle operator training and safety program in Texas. The bill aims to address a critical shortage of certified motorcycle instructors by allowing approved third-party entities to offer training courses. This legislative move is designed to improve access to motorcycle safety training, thereby increasing the number of qualified motorcycle operators on the roads. The bill also includes stipulations for issuing certain driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses, mandating occupational licenses for instructors and authorizing the collection of associated fees.
Sentiment
The sentiment around SB 478 has been largely positive among stakeholders in the motorcycle training community. Testimonials from individuals such as Keith Roll and Judes Snyder highlighted the necessity for more accessible training options and the urgency of addressing the instructor shortage. Those in favor perceive the bill as a significant step toward enhancing motorcycle safety across Texas, improving both individual rider skills and overall public safety. However, potential concerns regarding the regulatory oversight of third-party training providers were briefly mentioned, prompting some discussions around quality assurance in the training process.
Contention
While there appears to be widespread support for SB 478, the primary contention would likely revolve around ensuring that the quality of motorcycle training remains high despite the increase in training providers. Stakeholders fear that a focus on increasing the number of instructors might lead to varying standards of training, which could undermine the effectiveness of the safety program. Legislative discussions included calls for maintaining strong oversight and regulation to ensure that new training entities meet the necessary educational and safety standards.
Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected
Transportation Code
Chapter 522. Commercial Driver's Licenses
Section: 034
Section: 034
Section: 034
Section: 034
Chapter 662. Motorcycle Operator Training And Safety
Relating to the transfer of the motorcycle and off-highway vehicle operator training programs to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of child swim instruction operators; requiring an occupational license; imposing an administrative penalty; authorizing fees.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain occupations and activities; providing administrative penalties; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain drug and alcohol related court-ordered educational programs; providing administrative penalties; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to the licensing and regulation of certain drug and alcohol related court-ordered educational programs; providing administrative penalties; requiring occupational licenses; authorizing fees; creating criminal offenses.
Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating an offense; authorizing fees.
Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating an offense; authorizing fees.
Relating to the transfer of the motorcycle and off-highway vehicle operator training programs to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation; authorizing fees.