The bill SB258 amends various sections of the Code of Alabama 1975 to align state regulations governing commercial motor vehicles with updated Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. Key changes include the removal of the requirement for drivers to report certain violations to the Department of Public Safety and the repeal of the certification requirement for transporting steel coils. The bill introduces a new ban on human trafficking and revises the fee structure for commercial driver licenses and learner's permits, reducing fees for Class A and Class B licenses and establishing a four-year validity for licenses and a one-year validity for learner's permits. Additionally, it mandates that drivers notify their employers of any convictions instead of the state, streamlining the licensing process and enhancing safety standards. The bill also establishes stricter disqualification periods for commercial drivers convicted of specific offenses, including a minimum one-year disqualification for DUI violations and a lifetime disqualification for using a vehicle in felonies related to controlled substances. It introduces new penalties for violations related to the operation of commercial motor vehicles, particularly those transporting metal coils, with fines ranging from $25 to $10,000 and potential jail sentences for certain offenses. The Alabama State Law Enforcement Agency is granted authority to adopt rules regarding federal hours of service regulations and to enter into agreements with emergency management agencies. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024, and is exempt from certain constitutional requirements due to its nature of defining or amending crimes.

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