Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR322

Introduced
2/20/24  

Caption

Urging the Congress of the United States to pursue legislative remedies to allow individuals 18, 19 and 20 years of age with a Commercial Driver's License to participate in interstate commerce activities.

Impact

If passed, HR322 would not create new laws but rather urge Congress to take action on current federal restrictions preventing under-21 CDL holders from operating in interstate commerce. Currently, while these individuals may operate within state lines, federal law still mandates a minimum age of 21 for transporting goods across state lines. This change could significantly enhance job opportunities for younger individuals seeking careers in the trucking industry, especially considering the influx of training programs aimed at providing CDL training to high school students and young adults across Pennsylvania.

Summary

House Resolution 322 aims to urge the United States Congress to amend existing laws to allow individuals aged 18, 19, and 20 who possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to engage in interstate commerce activities. The intention behind this resolution arises from a significant shortage of qualified drivers in the trucking industry, estimated at over 78,000, with a projected need for 1.2 million new drivers over the next decade as freight demands continue to rise. Given that the trucking sector plays a crucial role in Pennsylvania's economy, accounting for approximately 340,000 jobs, the resolution highlights the critical need to expand the pool of qualified drivers to ensure economic security and supply chain efficiency.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HR322 appears to be supportive, particularly among legislators and stakeholders in the trucking industry who recognize the necessity of addressing driver shortages to sustain economic growth. Advocates argue that allowing younger drivers to participate in interstate commerce is a common-sense approach to attract a fresh workforce into a field that offers solid employment with substantial pay. However, calls for maintaining safety standards and performance criteria for young drivers also remain paramount in the discussion.

Contention

Notably, some potential points of contention could revolve around safety concerns related to younger drivers operating commercial vehicles on interstate routes. Opponents might argue that insufficient experience and maturity could lead to increased risks, emphasizing that driving larger vehicles under challenging conditions demands a higher level of responsibility and decision-making that may not yet be developed in younger adults. As the resolution moves forward, balancing the need for expanded employment opportunities against the imperative to ensure safety on the roads will likely be a key theme in the ongoing debate.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SR258

Urging the Congress of the United States to pursue legislative remedies to allow individuals 18, 19 and 20 years of age with a Commercial Driver's License to participate in interstate commerce activities.

PA HR52

A RESOLUTION urging the United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to lessen restrictions and requirements on commercial driver's license holders.

PA HB444

AN ACT relating to commercial driver's licenses.

PA S3134

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

PA A4192

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

PA HB0068

Commercial Driver License Amendments

PA HB2493

Relating To Commercial Driver's Licenses.

PA SB3182

Relating To Commercial Driver's Licenses.

PA HB436

AN ACT relating to commercial driver's licenses.

PA HB13

AN ACT relating to commercial driver's licenses.

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