House Bill 419

Chair�s Name: David Ralston

Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

House Sponsor: Johnny Floyd

HB 419 creates two types of traffic violations � �major� and �serious� � and gives the number of each that will lead to suspension of a commercial driver�s license.  This bill also increases the validity of a commercial license from four to five years and allows the Department of Driver Services to waive the physical requirements for a license as long as the vehicle will only be driven in Georgia.  This Bill also disqualifies a person from obtaining a commercial driver�s license if they commit certain railroad crossing violations.

This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Judiciary Non Civil Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule. 

Chairman Ralston�s opinion of this legislation:

WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?

Clarifies the meaning of  �fire-fighting or emergency equipment vehicle� to coincide with the definition at OCGA 40 -1 -1 and to require that the vehicle must be equipped with audible and visible signals and be subject to traffic  regulations��adds to the definition of driving under the influence so it includes both commercial and noncommercial motor vehicles; also includes a violation of other states� DUI laws��redefines �hazardous materials� and �major traffic violations���revises the meaning of �serious traffic violation���extends the period for CDL expiration�..provides for disqualifications from driving  a commercial vehicle for the conviction of certain offenses

WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?

The clarification and addition of definitions relating to emergency vehicles �.DUI provisions�.major traffic violations�..and commercial and noncommercial drivers� licenses