CTA Legislative Update

AB 301 (Rodriguez) - Seeks to reduce the severe backlog in availability of commercial Driver’s License (CDL) skills test appointments at the DMV by requiring DMV to report on what steps are needed to reach a goal of 7 day wait time and then implement a 14 day wait time by January 1, 2019 and 7 days wait time by January 1, 2021.  CTA has been actively engaging with the department and legislative leadership on moving this vital issue for the industry. 

AB 5 (Gonzalez Fletcher) – Inserts the State into private businesses hiring practices by mandating an employer offer additional work to a part-time employee before hiring someone new opening up new legal liabilities for companies.  CTA worked in partnership with the rest of the business community 

AB 302 (Gipson) – Allows South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) to develop regulations requiring zero and near-zero emission engines for all public agency fleets and commercial fleets that are contracted with public agencies.  In addition, gives SCAQMD the authority to regulate hours of operation for heavy duty trucks during commute hours. Working with a coalition of businesses, CTA worked with Asm Gipson and his office to delay bringing up this bill for the 2017 and work on an alternate program that is more in line with our industry.

SB 53 (Hueso) – Will address the competitive disadvantage fleets operating natural gas fueled trucks face due to reduced payload.  In 2015 the federal highway bill allowed for a 2,000 lbs weight exemption for natural gas commercial vehicles on the national highway network, SB 53 will mirror that exemption on state and local routes.

SB 158 (Monning) – Mandates that in order to receive a Commercial Drivers License one would have to complete 30 hours of behind the wheel training regardless of ability to pass the skills test or not.  The measure currently makes no exemptions for programs like the Employer Testing Program that have been very successful at training new drivers.  CTA is continuing discussions with Sen. Monning’s office on the measure and as such has not taken a position on the bill at this moment.