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SF1834 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Commercial transportation provisions modification

Related bill: HF1242

AI Generated Summary

The bill (S.F. No. 1834) proposes changes to Minnesota's transportation laws, particularly relating to commercial driver training and testing. Here are the key provisions:

  1. Definition of Road Test: A road test is defined as a physical demonstration of driving skills, including vehicle inspection when applicable.

  2. Test Scheduling Restrictions: The commissioner is prohibited from reserving recurring road test appointments for driver education programs for Class D or commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants.

  3. Third-Party CDL Testing Expansion:

    • School districts and school bus companies that conduct third-party CDL testing can enter agreements to test drivers from other districts or companies.
    • Third-party programs can also collaborate with public, private, or commercial driver education programs to conduct CDL road tests.
    • Third-party testers can be reimbursed by the entity for which they are testing.

  4. Establishment of a Commercial Driver Training Assistance Program:

    • The program will provide financial support to individuals seeking CDL training.
    • Eligible individuals must meet age, residency, and driver history requirements and submit an application detailing job shadowing experience and career plans.
    • Financial assistance covers tuition, materials, fees, and a stipend for living expenses.
    • Reimbursement is available to motor carriers that provide CDL training.
    • Recipients must complete training, obtain a CDL, and maintain employment in a CDL-required position for at least one year to avoid repayment obligations.

  5. Registration Requirements for Training Providers and Employers:

    • Driver training schools and motor carriers must meet federal standards and receive state approval to qualify for the program.
    • Employers must participate in job shadowing, offer entry-level driver support, and ensure insurance approval for hiring new CDL holders.

  6. Program Funding and Reporting:

    • $6,000,000 is allocated for the program for fiscal year 2026, available until June 30, 2028.
    • Quarterly reports are required from award recipients, training providers, and employers.

Overall, the bill aims to address CDL driver shortages by providing financial assistance for training and expanding third-party testing options while ensuring accountability through reporting and repayment requirements.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionReferred toTransportation
February 23, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toTransportation

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies restrictions on scheduling recurring times for skills and road tests."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies test scheduling rules for driver education programs under section 171.13, subdivision 8.",
      "modified": [
        "Emphasizes the prohibition of scheduling recurring tests with commercial programs."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.13",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 8"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Allows agreements between school districts and school bus companies for third-party testing administration."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This legislation amends the third-party testing guidelines for school bus drivers under section 171.3213.",
      "modified": [
        "Specifies reimbursement procedures for third-party testing."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "171.3213",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]

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