HB 345-WAIVE CDL SKILL TEST FOR CERTAIN VETERANS  9:25:29 AM CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI announced that the next bill before the committee would be HB 345, which proposes to adopt regulations by the Department of Administration waiving the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) test for certain drivers with military commercial motor vehicle experience. REPRESENTATIVE DAN SADDLER, sponsor of HB 345, introduced the bill. He stated that this bill recognizes Alaskans who hone their driving skills during military service. The bill will help military personnel get jobs and help Alaskan businesses get qualified drivers by acknowledging that military drivers already have safe driving skills. He pointed out that federal law does allow states to waive the road test for the CDL if military drivers have recent driving experience and a clean record. They must still pass the regular knowledge test, vision test, and physical exam. The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration is encouraging states to grant such waivers and many states are already doing so. HB 345 simple authorizes the director of the Department of Administration to adopt regulations in accordance with federal standards. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI noted that HB 345 compliments another bill that also tries to help veterans get jobs. He asked if there is a requirement that members of the military have a commercial driver's license. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER said no. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI concluded that military drivers are essentially doing the work that those with CDL's can do, but they are not required to have a CDL. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER agreed. He noted that military drivers hold a military driver's license. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI summarized that the bill provides that the state of Alaska can recognize military commercial driving experience and waive the CDL road test requirement. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER agreed. 9:28:13 AM WHITENY BREWSTER, Director, Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Administration, provided information regarding HB 345. She explained about a caveat in federal regulations that allows states to adopt programs that allow for a substitution of the required driving skills tests. Military personnel who have had recent commercial motor vehicle driving experience qualify for such a program. The regulations were finalized in May of 2011 and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is now urging states to move forward with waiver programs for military veterans. She reported that the regulations do specify that the program must have two minimum requirements, that the applicant show evidence that he or she has been regularly employed or was regularly employed within the last 90 days in a military position requiring operation of a commercial motor vehicle, and with operating a vehicle representative of the commercial motor vehicle the driver applicant expects to operate for at least the two years immediately preceding discharge from the military. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI asked how closely the military requirements compare the CDL requirements. MS. BREWSTER responded that she was not sure about the military requirements. She stated that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration works closely with the Department of Defense in order to allow the waiver. 9:30:53 AM AVES THOMPSON, Executive Director, Alaska Trucking Association (ATA), testified in support of HB 345. He stated that his industry needs drivers and returning veterans need jobs. The ATA welcomes returning veterans and appreciates the opportunity to do something to support them, as well as to help the industry. He stated support for veterans and for HB 345. CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI closed public testimony. He inquired if Representative Saddler knew the answer to the question about military commercial driving requirements. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER related that military training for commercial driving is "heavy on systems and checklists and the pre-trip." CHAIR WIELECHOWSKI stated his intent to hold HB 345.