The bill SB258 amends several 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 of the requirement for drivers to report certain violations to the Department of Public Safety and the removal of a fee and written test waiver for school bus drivers. The bill also introduces a ban on human trafficking and revises the fee structure for commercial driver licenses, 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 inform their employers of any convictions rather than the state, updates terminology related to commercial driver license qualifications, and outlines new renewal procedures. Furthermore, the bill 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 also emphasizes compliance with federal load securement regulations, particularly for transporting metal coils, and outlines penalties for violations, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 and potential imprisonment. 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.

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