House passes bill allowing limited reinstatement of lifetime CDL disqualifications amid safety debate

The House of Representatives on June 2 passed House Bill 960, a measure that creates a process for some people with lifetime disqualifications of commercial driver’s licenses to seek reinstatement after meeting set conditions.

Representative Hill-Evans of York County, the bill’s prime sponsor, said the measure would help fill truck driving jobs while imposing strict conditions for reinstatement. “To be eligible for reinstatement, these individuals must have served at least 10 years of their lifetime disqualification,” Hill-Evans said, listing additional requirements of a driver’s improvement course, a restoration fee, completion of court-ordered conditions and, for DUI-related disqualifications, completion of a rehabilitation program. Approval, she said, is “subject to PennDOT’s discretion.”

Supporters and opponents framed the measure as a balance between workforce needs and road safety. Representative…