SB258 Enrolled is a comprehensive bill that revises Alabama's laws regarding commercial driver licenses (CDLs) and the operation of commercial motor vehicles to align with federal standards. The bill removes the requirement for drivers to report certain violations to the Department of Public Safety and repeals the steel coil transport certification requirement. It also updates the CDL qualification standards, including the testing process and issuance limitations, to comply with federal regulations. The bill introduces a ban on human trafficking, specifying a lifetime disqualification for those convicted of using a vehicle in the commission of a felony involving severe forms of trafficking in persons. Additionally, it outlines disqualification periods for various offenses, such as DUIs and leaving the scene of an accident, with varying lengths depending on the severity of the offense.

The bill also revises the fee structure for CDLs and learner's permits, setting additional fees for Class A and Class B licenses and determining that these fees will be deposited into the Public Safety Fund. It mandates that commercial motor vehicles comply with federal safety regulations and removes the certification requirement for operators transporting metal coils. The bill provides for exemptions and waivers related to hours of service regulations for certain vehicles and allows the Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency to adopt rules for compliance with federal regulations. Penalties for violations of commercial vehicle operation laws are specified, with fines and potential imprisonment for offenders. The bill defines the state's planting and harvesting season for agricultural transport exemptions and is set to become effective on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-9A-2, 32-9A-4
Engrossed: 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-9A-2, 32-9A-4
Enrolled: 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-6-49, 32-9A-2, 32-9A-4