The bill, H.F. No. 1242, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, aims to enhance commercial transportation by establishing a Commercial Driver Training Assistance Program and includes amendments to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 171. It has been referred to the Committee on Transportation Finance and Policy for further consideration.

Key Provisions of the Bill:

1. Road Test Definition (Section 1)

• Adds a definition of "road test" to include physical demonstration of driving skills, vehicle, and equipment inspection.

2. Test Scheduling Changes (Section 2)

• Prohibits the commissioner from reserving recurring test slots for public, private, or commercial driver education programs.

3. Third-Party Testing for CDL & School Bus Drivers (Section 3)

• Allows certified third-party testing programs, including school districts and school bus companies, to administer road tests for school bus drivers.
• Authorizes third-party testers to enter agreements with driver education programs to test commercial drivers.
• Testing programs can receive reimbursement from school districts, school bus companies, or driver education programs.

4. Commercial Driver Training Assistance Program (Section 4)

• Establishes a training assistance program to financially support individuals pursuing a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
• Defines key terms such as "award recipient," "registered provider," and "registered employer."

Program Administration:

• Financial assistance is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Funds can be used for tuition, books, course materials, CDL training fees, and a living stipend.
• Requires the commissioner of transportation to:
  • Publish a manual outlining requirements.
  • Maintain program information on the Department of Transportation’s website.
  • Ensure program administration costs do not exceed 3% of available funds.

Eligibility Requirements for Assistance:

• Applicants must:
  • Be at least 18 years old, a Minnesota resident, and U.S. citizen.
  • Have a valid Minnesota driver’s license.
  • Have no driving-related license suspension/revocation in the past five years.
  • Identify two motor carriers with whom they have conducted a job shadow and provide a career plan.

Approval Process for Driver Training Schools & Employers:

• To qualify as registered providers, driver training schools must:

  • Follow federal CDL training regulations.
  • Be listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Training Provider Registry.
  • Be in good standing with the state.

• Employers who wish to participate must:

  • Offer job shadowing and entry-level training/support.
  • Submit reports on participant progress.
  • Ensure drivers meet insurance requirements.

Financial Assistance & Reimbursement Procedures:

• Individuals receiving financial assistance must:

  • Complete CDL training with an approved registered provider.
  • Obtain a CDL within six months of completing training.
  • Be employed by a registered employer for at least one year.
  • Retain their driving privileges throughout the required period.
  • If they do not meet these terms, they may be required to repay funding on a prorated basis.

• Motor carriers can apply for reimbursement to cover certain CDL training costs for eligible employees.

Quarterly Reporting Requirements:

• Award recipients, registered CDL training schools, and employers must submit reports during and for one year after hiring or training completion.

5. Appropriation (Section 5)

• Allocates $6 million for fiscal year 2026 from the General Fund for the CDL training program, available until June 30, 2028.
• Permits additional funding from the Driver and Vehicle Services Technology account to support information systems related to the program.

Summary:

This bill seeks to address workforce shortages in commercial driving by financially assisting individuals obtaining a CDL, supporting training providers, and incentivizing employers to offer structured career pathways. It also modifies road test scheduling, updates third-party testing regulations, and ensures accountability through reporting requirements.