This bill amends R.S. 32:409.1(A)(6)(d) to enhance the requirements for issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring commercial driver's licenses and commercial learner's permits in Louisiana. Specifically, it mandates that, starting November 18, 2024, the Department of Motor Vehicles must conduct a check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for all applications. If the department receives notification that an applicant is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle, it is required to deny the issuance, renewal, upgrade, or transfer of the permit or license.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that if the department receives such notification from the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse independently of the applicant's submission, it must downgrade or disqualify the commercial driver's license or learner's permit accordingly. The legislation also clarifies that an inadvertent issuance of a commercial driver's license or learner's permit to a prohibited applicant will not be deemed a breach of duty by the department.

Statutes affected:
HB589 Original: 32:1(A)(6)
HB589 Engrossed: 32:1(A)(6)
HB589 Reengrossed: 32:1(A)(6)
HB589 Enrolled: 32:1(A)(6)
HB589 Act : 32:1(A)(6)