House committee hears bill to let 18‑year‑olds obtain HAZMAT endorsement

The House Transportation Infrastructure Committee heard testimony on House Bill 4426, which would lower Michigan's minimum age for obtaining a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement on a commercial driver's license from 21 to 18.

Sponsor Representative Barton told the committee the change would align state law with federal regulations and expand the pool of qualified drivers for industries that move hazardous goods. "House Bill 4426 would lower the minimum age for obtaining a hazardous materials ... endorsement in Michigan from age 21 to age 18," Barton said during his opening remarks.

Wayne Coley, testifying for the Michigan Propane Gas Association and for Accel Propane Company, said the propane and broader trucking industries face a shortage of qualified drivers and that federal training and security checks already apply. "As stated, current federal regulations do allow you to get a HAZMAT endorsement at age 18," Coley said. He described the entry‑level driver training rule that took effect in February 2022 and recited the sequence of state and federal written and road tests required before an endorsement may be issued.

Why it matters: supporters said the bill would give employers access to younger workers who have completed federal and state testing and security reviews, while opponents and some committee members sought data tying the age change to safety outcomes.

Committee questions and discussion focused on several operational and safety details. Vice Chair Alexander asked whether tanker endorsements already have an 18‑year minimum; Coley replied, "That's 18." Representative Miller asked whether other states that allow 18‑year‑old HAZMAT endorsements have reported safety problems; Coley said he was not aware of follow‑up data. Representative Preston noted that 18‑year‑olds can already drive fire trucks and other emergency vehicles in some settings and asked whether the bill requires the same Transportation Security Administration background check as existing federal HAZMAT rules; Coley affirmed that the TSA background check applies.

Committee members also discussed whether an 18‑year‑old with a Michigan endorsement could carry hazardous materials interstate. Coley said the change would allow intrastate HAZMAT transport; cross‑border travel would depend on reciprocity with adjoining states.

The record shows supporters emphasize mandatory training and multiple written and behind‑the‑wheel tests already required under federal and state rules; critics asked for outcome data from states that have made the change. Coley listed nine states that currently allow HAZMAT endorsements at 18: Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Vermont and Wyoming.

No committee vote on House Bill 4426 occurred during the hearing. Members said they would continue to examine the proposal in future committee action.

Ending: The committee moved on after approximately 14 minutes of testimony and questions. Members thanked witnesses and said they expect further debate before any formal recommendation is made.