Committee approves motor-carrier rule changes to align with Act 214 of 2022

The committee approved Document 52-42, a set of regulatory updates to motor-carrier certification meant to conform state rules with Act 214 of 2022, shortening the practical approval timeline to roughly 30 days and removing some hearing requirements, the committee chair said. The regulation passed by a recorded vote of 7-0.

The changes, explained by presenter Jocelyn Boyd, would streamline the process for carriers that transport persons — including taxis, limousines, stretcher vans and nonemergency vehicles — and property such as household-goods movers. Boyd said the commission will post applications on its website and allow stakeholders a written period to object; if no protest is filed the commission will place the application on a public agenda and issue a directive order. Boyd described the typical timeline: "shortly thereafter, within, I would say, 99.9% of the time, within 2 business days, the carrier has access to its directive order. That directive order doesn't become effective for 30 days," she said.

The presenter told the committee the agency conducted an extensive stakeholder process and that stakeholders "were very supportive of the changes." Committee members asked clarifying questions about operational details. Representative Martin asked whether driving records are reviewed as part of the application; Boyd said the current regulation requires carriers to maintain driving records but that those records are not filed with the commission at application time because many applicants are start-ups. When asked about weight limits for transported property, Boyd said she was not aware of a specific weight limit for persons and could not recall a household-goods weight limit offhand.

The committee noted that, under the revised process created by Act 214, household-goods movers no longer require a hearing; instead applications are posted and become subject to written protests. The presenter said the Office of Regulatory Staff must receive proof of insurance as one condition for the carrier to begin operating once the directive order is satisfied.

Votes at a glance: Document 52-42 was approved by roll call: Mister Anderson — yes; Mister Guffey — yes; Mister Hartz — yes; Mister Martin — yes; Mister Neece — yes; Mister Tipple — yes; Mister Bradley — yes. The committee recorded the approval as 7 to 0.