10/1/04-A bill designed to bring California into line with a number of federal regulations, guidelines and requirements is now law.
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill, AB3049, into law Sept. 30.
Among other things, the new law will:

• Prohibit a truck driver from refusing to comply with an out-of-service order issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Disqualify a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle for the rest of his or her life if that person has, on more than one occasion, refused a request to take a chemical test.
• Impose harsher driving restrictions on truck drivers who violate out-of-service orders involving transportation of hazardous materials.
• Impose civil penalties on the driver and on the driver's employer if that employer knowingly allowed or required an employee to drive after the vehicle was placed out-of-service.
• End the practice of allowing drivers to clear their records by pleading to a lesser offense in court and attending driving school.

9/20/04-The Legislature has approved a bill to bring state law into line with a number of federal regulations, guidelines and requirements.
AB3049, sponsored by Assembly Transportation Chairman Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, was passed by the Senate Aug. 24 by a 38-0 vote; it received final approval from the Assembly Aug. 26 by a 77-0 vote. It is now before Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger awaiting his signature.
Among other things, the bill would:

• Prohibit a truck driver from refusing to comply with an out-of-service order issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
• Disqualify a person from operating a commercial motor vehicle for the rest of his or her life if that person has, on more than one occasion, refused a request to take a chemical test.
• Impose harsher driving restrictions on truck drivers who violate out-of-service orders involving transportation of hazardous materials.
• Impose civil penalties on the driver and on the driver’s employer if that employer knowingly allowed or required an employee to drive after the vehicle was placed out-of-service.
• End the practice of allowing drivers to clear their records by pleading to a lesser offense in court and attending driving school.

For bill status, call (916) 445-2323.