3/3/05-With the threat of losing millions in federal highway money, Gov. Mike Huckabee has signed a bill into law to bring the state into line with recently enacted federal standards for commercial driver’s licenses.
Federal law mandates a fingerprint-based background check on all truck drivers who haul hazardous materials. The cost of the check is estimated at about $100.
The fee is made up of three parts: a fee for the collection of fingerprints and applicant information; a fee for threat assessment, during which the Transportation Security Administration decides whether the person is a security threat; and a fee for the FBI to run the fingerprints through its system.
Under the new law, anyone seeking a CDL with an endorsement to haul hazardous materials for the first time needs such as a background check. The requirements kick in after May 31 for drivers renewing their endorsement or transferring a hazmat endorsement from one state to another.
A state’s first year of noncompliance reportedly would equate to a 5 percent cut. Subsequent penalties would be doubled.
Also, the federal government could take away the state’s authority to issue CDLs.
The new law, previously HB1205, makes the needed changes in Arkansas law.

1/28/05-The House Public Transportation Committee is reviewing a bill that would bring the state in line with recently enacted federal standards for commercial driving licenses.
Federal law mandates a fingerprint-based background check on all truck drivers who haul hazardous materials. The cost of the check is estimated at just below $100.
The fee is made up of three parts: a fee for the collection of fingerprints and applicant information; a fee for threat assessment, during which the Transportation Security Administration decides whether the person is a security threat; and a fee for the FBI to run the fingerprints through its system.
Under HB1205, sponsored by Rep. Sid Rosenbaum, R-Little Rock, anyone seeking a CDL to haul hazardous materials after Jan. 30 would need such a background check.
After May 31, anyone renewing or transferring a hazmat endorsement from one state to another would have to have a background check.
If lawmakers fail to add the standards to Arkansas law, the state might lose millions in federal highway money if state lawmakers don’t meet recently enacted federal standards for commercial driving licenses.
The first year of noncompliance would equate to a 5 percent cut. Subsequent penalties would be doubled.
Also, the federal government could take away the state’s authority to issue CDLs.
For House bill status, call (501) 682-7771.

1/24/05-Rep. Sid Rosenbaum, R-Little Rock, has introduced a bill that would bring the state in line with recently enacted federal standards for commercial driving licenses.
Federal law mandates a fingerprint-based background check on all truck drivers who haul hazardous materials. The cost of the check is estimated at just below $100.
The fee is made up of three parts: a fee for the collection of fingerprints and applicant information; a fee for threat assessment, during which the Transportation Security Administration decides whether the person is a security threat; and a fee for the FBI to run the fingerprints through its system.
Under Rosenbaum’s bill, anyone seeking a CDL to haul hazardous materials after Jan. 30 would need such a background check. After May 31, anyone renewing or transferring a hazmat endorsement from one state to another would have to have a background check.
If lawmakers fail to add the standards to Arkansas law, the state might lose millions in federal highway money if state lawmakers don’t meet recently enacted federal standards for commercial driving licenses.
The first year of noncompliance would equate to a 5 percent cut. Subsequent penalties would be doubled.
Also, the federal government could take away the state’s authority to issue CDLs.
HB1205, filed Jan. 21, has yet to be assigned to a committee. For House bill status, call (501) 682-7771.