The Motor Carrier Public Safety Enforcement Act seeks to improve public safety within the motor carrier industry by transferring specific responsibilities from the Oklahoma Corporation Commission to the Department of Public Safety over a transition period from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. A transitional task force, composed of state officials and industry representatives, will oversee this process, ensuring that personnel, property, and records are effectively transferred while maintaining employee pay and benefits. The act also modifies existing laws regarding the enforcement of motor carrier regulations, designating personnel from the Corporation Commission's Transportation Division as Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers and requiring the development of a training program for these officers.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of Oklahoma law related to motor carrier regulations, including the introduction of penalties for violations, clarification of key definitions, and requirements for leasing transportation equipment. It emphasizes the necessity for motor carriers to maintain valid insurance policies and enhances the authority of the Corporation Commission to enforce compliance. The bill also outlines new provisions for vehicle registration, including penalties for violations and the transfer of responsibilities to the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline enforcement processes and strengthen regulatory oversight in the motor carrier industry.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 47-1115, 47-1151, 47-116.13, 47-172.1