Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Texas Senate Bill SB1173

Filed
 
Out of Senate Committee
 
Voted on by Senate
 
Governor Action
 
Bill Becomes Law
 

Caption

Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.

Impact

The passage of SB1173 would significantly impact state laws pertaining to the driving of commercial motor vehicles. Key amendments include provisions that prohibit individuals from being issued commercial licenses if they have committed certain legal offenses related to motor vehicle operation. Furthermore, the bill mandates the immediate reporting of disqualifying violations to relevant authorities, ensuring stricter compliance with federal regulations pertaining to commercial driving.

Summary

SB1173, known as the act relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits, aims to amend existing provisions within the transportation code regarding the operation of commercial motor vehicles. The bill introduces a range of changes, including the creation of new definitions for commercial learner's permits and enhancements to the disqualification criteria for commercial drivers. Notably, it emphasizes stricter regulations on drivers with criminal backgrounds and reinforces the need for self-certification regarding medical status for holders of commercial licenses.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment towards SB1173 appears to be supportive among those advocating for safer transportation regulations, as it aims to enhance the accountability of commercial drivers. However, there are concerns regarding the implications of more stringent disqualification criteria. Critics worry that the measures might disproportionately affect certain groups or individuals who may benefit from fairer assessment methods rather than immediate disqualification.

Contention

Discussions around SB1173 highlighted significant contention regarding the balance of regulation and accessibility. Proponents argue that heightening the standards for commercial drivers is essential for public safety, particularly in light of the high-risk nature of commercial driving operations. Conversely, opponents caution against the potential overreach of these regulations, which they believe could create barriers for individuals seeking to enter the commercial driving workforce. The debate reflects broader tensions between regulatory oversight and the need for inclusive opportunities in the transportation sector.

Companion Bills

TX HB2714

Identical Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.

Previously Filed As

TX HB2866

Relating to the requirements for the renewal of a driver's license, personal identification certificate, commercial driver's license, or commercial learner's permit for a sex offender.

TX HB1846

Relating to the skills test required for a commercial driver's license for certain commercial learner's permit holders.

TX SB1980

Relating to the creation of a Texas conditional driver's permit, provisional Texas conditional driver's permit, and Texas conditional learner's permit; authorizing fees; creating an offense.

TX HB3646

Relating to certain regulations regarding commercial driver's licenses.

TX HB4464

Relating to the operation of a motor vehicle passing a person operating a bicycle; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB2838

Relating to the exclusion of the operation of certain vehicles from commercial driver's license requirements.

TX SB478

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.

TX HB421

Relating to the operation of a motor vehicle passing a pedestrian or a person operating a bicycle; creating a criminal offense.

TX HB3645

Relating to requirements for the issuance of certain driver's licenses and commercial driver's licenses.

TX HB1719

Relating to local option elections to legalize or prohibit the operation of eight-liners; imposing fees and issuing fee permits; creating criminal offenses; increasing criminal penalties.

Similar Bills

TX HB2714

Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; creating a criminal offense; amending provisions subject to a criminal penalty; authorizing fees.

TX SB1664

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

TX HB45

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

TX SB40

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

TX HB14

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

TX HB1888

Relating to commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits and the operation of commercial motor vehicles; authorizing a fee; increasing a penalty.

HI HB2492

Relating To Commercial Driver's Licenses.

HI SB3181

Relating To Commercial Driver's Licenses.