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Panel approves expansion of Department of Corrections CDL training for select inmates (PCS for HB 325)
Summary
The subcommittee voted to report PCS for HB 325 favorably; Representative Kendall said the bill expands an existing DOC CDL program to include selected nonviolent inmates behind the fence and allows supervised driving of state vehicles during training, with annual reporting on outcomes.
Representative Kendall told the subcommittee PCS for HB 325 would expand an existing Department of Corrections CDL program to address an estimated shortage of more than 16,000 commercial drivers in Florida. He said the bill would enable select nonviolent inmates who meet eligibility criteria and have less than two years remaining on their sentence to receive Class A and B CDL training while incarcerated, permit them to drive state‑owned vehicles under DOC supervision during training, and require an annual report on program outcomes.
Kendall described a broad work group that helped shape the proposal, listing participating stakeholders from DOC reentry staff, the Florida Department of Transportation's Florida Transportation Academy, Tallahassee State College workforce officials, trucking industry groups and private employers. "So we just wanted to make sure that we really did thoroughly do our homework as best we can," Kendall said.
Representative Johnson asked whether DOC leadership and Secretary Dixon supported the plan; Kendall confirmed they did. There was no public testimony. The clerk called the roll and the chair announced 16 yays, 0 nays; PCS for HB 325 was reported favorably.
Next steps: HB 325 advances; the bill requires coordination with DOC and the Florida Department of Transportation and will require implementation details and oversight if enacted.
