CS/HB 1151 Summary

• Updates commercial motor vehicle safety regulations to reference federal standards as of December 31, 2020 instead of 2018, and reduces notice period for unduly hazardous operating conditions from 15 to 14 days.

• Applies bus safety rules to nonpublic sector buses, authorizes DHSMV to conduct compliance reviews with civil penalties up to $5,000 for first violations, $25,000 for follow-up violations, and allows removal from service for unsafe conditions.

• Prohibits issuance of commercial driver licenses to anyone convicted of felonies involving human trafficking, and requires permanent revocation of commercial licenses upon conviction for human trafficking felonies.

• Extends commercial driver license validity to 8 years from issuance, increases odometer disclosure exemptions (20 years for model year 2011+, 10 years for 2010 and older), and requires return of license plates when vehicle registration is suspended.

• Creates new investigative and subpoena powers for DHSMV regarding private rebuilt inspection providers, title certificates, and motor vehicle licenses, with penalties for non-compliance.