Committee approves wording change, advances bill to issue non‑domiciled commercial driver's licenses

The Senate Transportation committee voted to advance HB1163, which updates commercial driver's licensing standards to conform to federal regulations and allow issuance of non-domiciled commercial learner’s permits and non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses for applicants who cannot provide proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency.

Howard, testifying for the Department of Transportation on Zoom, asked the committee to change language in paragraph three from "limited term" to "non-domiciled" so the bill aligns with federal regulations. The committee adopted DOT’s amendment language and the chair recommended passage with that amendment; the committee voted to pass the bill with those changes.

Committee discussion noted statutory cross-references; the adopted amendment ties state statute language to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 383.71 (as amended Oct. 14, 2021). No objections were raised during the recorded vote and the recommendation was adopted.

Supporters said the change ensures state law mirrors federal terminology and streamlines CDL issuance for non-domiciled applicants while meeting federal safety standards. The committee’s recommendation advances HB1163 to subsequent Senate steps.