BILL NUMBER: S5216
SPONSOR: SCARCELLA-SPANTON
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to waiving the
fee for a commercial driver's license for a member of the military or a
veteran
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill authorizes the commissioner of the department of motor vehi-
cles to waive commercial driver's license (CDL) fees for military veter-
ans who submit a military skills test waiver as part of their applica-
tion.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends subdivision 3 of section 503 of the vehi-
cle and traffic law, as amended by chapter 322 of the laws of 2021, to
allow the commissioner of the department of motor vehicles to waive
commercial driver's license fees for veterans who submit a military
skills test waiver as part of their application.
Section two sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Military veterans with at least two years of experience operating a
commercial vehicle as part of their military job requirements are eligi-
ble for a military skills test waiver, which allows them to obtain a CDL
without taking the driving test. These veterans are already qualified to
operate commercial vehicles but are still forced to pay fees to obtain a
license in New York State. Waiving these unnecessary fees removes barri-
ers to the workforce for eligible veterans and is a small gesture in
recognition of their service.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2024; Held in Senate Transportation Committee.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the 180th day after becoming law.