BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 1846

By: Ashby

Transportation

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Employers of truck drivers have observed a growing shortage of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders throughout the state. Federal regulations allow, and several states will provide, CDL skills and road testing for out-of-state driving school students. However, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) does not provide this service, which means that any out-of-state student must establish Texas residency in order to take a CDL test in Texas. Currently, DPS is not required to administer a skills test to an out-of-state CDL holder. Any out-of-state student must return to their home state to be issued a CDL, which places an unnecessary burden on students and decreases the likelihood of out-of-state students seeking a CDL. H.B. 1846 seeks to reduce the shortage of CDL holders by requiring DPS to test and issue CDLs to out-of-state students.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 1846 amends the Transportation Code to replace the authorization for the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to administer a skills test to a person who holds a commercial learner's permit issued by another state or jurisdiction with a requirement for DPS to do so. The bill requires DPS, on completion, to send the test results to the state or jurisdiction that issued the person's permit.

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2023.