Committee advances bill to extend CDL skills‑test waivers to part‑time reservists and National Guard members

Representative George Nicola (introduced as "George Nicola Caucus" in the hearing record) presented House Bill 708 to extend Montana’s existing waiver authority for CDL tests to part‑time reservists and National Guard members. The sponsor said training and qualifications for military motor transport operators are equivalent across active duty, guard and reserve components and that the bill would reduce needless testing burdens and speed licensure for service members.

Brig. Gen. Reneé Dorval, deputy director of the Department of Military Affairs, testified in support and outlined the training for a motor transport operator (MOS 88M) — including weeks of advanced individual training and hundreds of hours in vehicles — and said the training is the same for active, guard and reserve soldiers. Motor Vehicle Division and Motor Carrier Services enforcement staff also testified in favor, saying the bill aligns state law with federal regulations that do not distinguish between full‑time and part‑time reservists for the waiver.

The committee asked clarifying questions about statutory language and the definition of “reserve component.” Witnesses and staff cited existing code definitions that treat the Montana National Guard and the U.S. armed forces’ reserves as reserve components, and the sponsor signaled willingness to strike the phrase “full time” from a discharge requirement noted in the draft language. The bill attracted no organized opposition at the hearing.

Ending: Committee members voted to advance House Bill 708 to the House floor for second reading.