Trucking plays a vital role in the U.S. economy, transporting approximately 72.6% of the nation’s freight by weight and generating nearly one-third of state fuel tax revenue. Despite its indispensable role, the industry is facing a critical shortage of 160,000 drivers by 2030. 
  
Pennsylvania holds an untapped potential for addressing this shortage: rehabilitated individuals who are subject to a lifetime commercial driver’s license (CDL) disqualification. Unfortunately, a gap in current state law prevents these individuals from accessing valuable employment opportunities within the trucking industry.   
  
To address this issue, I am re-introducing legislation that will create a pathway for rehabilitated former CDL holders to regain their licenses. Under this proposed bill, individuals who have completed at least 10 years of their lifetime disqualification will be eligible to apply for a CDL reinstatement program. This opportunity would not be available to those convicted of serious offenses, such as felony distribution of a controlled substance, human trafficking, or three or more violations of DUI while operating as a commercial driver. Additionally, any individual who re-offends and becomes subject to a lifetime disqualification again will lose their reinstated CDL.  
  
In a nation where freight is essential to the movement of goods and the strength of our economy, we cannot afford to overlook capable, rehabilitated drivers. Please consider joining me in supporting this legislation to create meaningful employment opportunities and help strengthen Pennsylvania’s trucking industry.  
 

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1034: 75-1611(d)