HB2013 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Commercial Driver License Act to comply with federal regulations by updating definitions including "commercial motor vehicle," "serious traffic violation," "texting," and "hand-held mobile telephone"

• Establishes new "commercial learner's permit" replacing "commercial driver instruction permit" with specific requirements for accompanied behind-the-wheel training lasting up to 180 days with renewal option

• Adds prohibitions on texting while driving and using hand-held mobile telephones while operating commercial motor vehicles, with exceptions for law enforcement communication

• Implements medical certification requirements for drivers certifying as "nonexcepted interstate" or "nonexcepted intrastate" including mandatory medical examiner certificates and downgrade procedures for non-compliance

• Establishes disqualification periods for various violations including DUI, hazardous material transportation offenses, and out-of-service order violations, with specific timeframes based on offense severity