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Committee advances bill to extend CDL test waivers to part‑time reservists
Summary
Lawmakers voted to advance House Bill 7‑08 after testimony that part‑time reserve motor vehicle operators receive training equivalent to full‑time service members; the committee recorded a concurrence motion and carried it by voice vote with proxy ayes noted.
HELENA — The Senate committee voted to advance House Bill 7‑08 on a motion to concur after hearing testimony that the bill would align state rules with federal regulations by extending commercial driver's license (CDL) testing waivers to part‑time reservists.
Representative George Nikolicakos, sponsor of House Bill 7‑08, told the committee the measure would allow reservists who meet federal training standards to qualify for waiver of state CDL skills and knowledge tests in the same way full‑time service members already may. "Part‑time reserve motor transport operators are every bit as capable as their full‑time counterparts," Brigadier General Renee Dorval, deputy director for the Department of Military Affairs, told the committee in support.
Supporters included the Montana Department of Transportation’s Motor Carrier Services division, the Department of Justice, and the Montana Trucking Association, each telling the committee the bill helps recruit and certify qualified CDL drivers more efficiently and aligns state practice with federal regulations.
No opponents offered testimony. Lieutenant Colonel Todd Wayne of the National Guard appeared as an information witness to answer legal questions.
In executive action, Senator Darren Loge moved "do concur" on House Bill 7‑08. The committee registered several ayes and recorded proxy aye votes for at least two senators during a voice vote; the chair announced the motion carried. The transcript records at least two named proxy ayes: "Senator Fern, aye by proxy" and "Kaczmeyer, aye by proxy." The committee placed the bill to be carried by a committee member for further floor action.
The bill amends Montana Code Annotated section 61‑5‑123 (as referenced in testimony) to strike the requirement that only full‑time reservists qualify for the waiver, thereby extending eligibility to traditional/part‑time reserve component members who meet the statutory conditions. Witnesses and the sponsor emphasized the bill does not change other statutory disqualifications or safety standards that apply to CDL applicants.
Supporters argued the change would reduce administrative burden on qualified veterans and reservists and help address driver shortages in the trucking industry. "One of the biggest challenges in the trucking industry is hiring and retaining good drivers," Duane Williams, executive director of the Montana Trucking Association, told the committee.
The committee carried the motion to concur by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript. The bill was then carried by a committee member for subsequent action in the legislative process.
