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Committee backs bill to align CDL rules with federal regs, lower some hazmat endorsement ages
Summary
House Bill 444 would align Kentucky commercial driver‑licensing rules with federal reporting requirements, reduce the age for certain in‑state hazmat endorsements from 21 to 18 and exempt school‑bus endorsements; the committee voted to report the bill favorably.
Representative John Blanton told the committee House Bill 444 was requested by the Transportation Cabinet to bring state commercial driver‑license (CDL) rules into conformance with federal regulations, including reporting requirements that prevent "masking" of violations. "It brings our CDL regulations and conformance with the federal regs," Blanton said.
Blanton said the bill would also lower the minimum age for some hazardous‑materials endorsements from 21 to 18 for in‑state work; endorsements to operate school buses remain exempt and would not be affected. "That does not include endorsements to be able to drive a school bus," he said, and the in‑state limitation was emphasized in committee remarks.
Senators asked about potential insurance cost impacts for employers. Senator Douglas asked whether the change could increase companies’ insurance costs; Blanton said he was not aware of data on premium effects but noted other states have adopted similar practices. Senator Carpenter, citing conversations with a local employer, said businesses are willing to absorb higher insurance costs if it keeps trucks moving: "A truck moving makes money. A truck sitting because they don't have a driver makes nothing."
The committee adopted the bill and reported House Bill 444 favorably. The committee record shows the measure "reported favorably with expressions of opinion that same shall pass."
