To permanently extend the exemption from the engine compartment portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills testing requirement for school bus drivers, and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 2360
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-26: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-15T13:47:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to permanently exempt certain school bus drivers from the engine compartment (under-the-hood) portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection requirement during commercial driver's license (CDL) skills testing. A CDL is a special license required for operating large vehicles like school buses. The bill builds on a temporary exemption issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to streamline licensing for school bus drivers while maintaining safety standards.
Key Provisions
- Permanent Exemption: The Secretary of Transportation must make the existing temporary exemption permanent, as detailed in a Federal Register notice from December 2, 2024 (89 Fed. Reg. 95348). This includes specific terms and conditions, such as ensuring drivers receive equivalent training, follow state safety rules, and undergo alternative inspections.
- Reporting Requirement: For the first 6 years after the bill's enactment, participating states must submit annual reports to the Secretary of Transportation. These reports will detail the number of drivers who obtain a CDL using this exemption.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill converts a temporary regulatory exemption (valid until at least December 2024) into a permanent one under federal law, eliminating the need for periodic renewals.
- It does not alter core CDL testing rules but narrows the pre-trip inspection focus for school bus drivers, who often operate vehicles with less complex engine access compared to other commercial trucks.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The DOT gains a statutory mandate to oversee the exemption, including reviewing state reports, which may increase administrative workload but reduce the frequency of exemption renewals.
- On Citizens: School bus drivers can more easily qualify for CDLs, potentially addressing driver shortages in rural or underfunded school districts. This could improve school transportation reliability without compromising overall vehicle safety.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic transportation regulations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- School Bus Drivers: Primary beneficiaries, as they face a simplified testing process, making it easier and faster to enter or remain in the profession.
- State Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) and Transportation Agencies: Responsible for implementing the exemption and submitting required reports, which may involve minor updates to licensing procedures.
- School Districts and Local Education Agencies: Could benefit from a larger pool of qualified drivers, reducing transportation delays or costs associated with hiring.
- U.S. Department of Transportation: Oversees enforcement and reporting, ensuring the exemption aligns with federal safety goals.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces federal authority over commercial vehicle standards under the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986, while delegating implementation to states. The reporting clause provides oversight to monitor safety without creating new enforcement burdens.
- Constitutional: No significant issues; it aligns with Congress's power to regulate interstate commerce and does not infringe on state rights, as states opt into the exemption voluntarily.
- Political: Supports workforce development in education and transportation sectors, potentially appealing to rural representatives (as seen with the bill's sponsors from Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, North Carolina, California, and others). It promotes regulatory efficiency but may draw scrutiny from safety advocates concerned about reduced inspections.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Carter, John R. [R-TX-31]
Cosponsors (16)
Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4], Rep. Smith, Jason [R-MO-8], Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5], Rep. Valadao, David G. [R-CA-22], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3], Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9], Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7], Rep. Grothman, Glenn [R-WI-6], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Mann, Tracey [R-KS-1], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Van Orden, Derrick [R-WI-3], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-26: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 2025-03-26: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-03-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-03-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To permanently extend the exemption from the engine compartment portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills testing requirement for school bus drivers, and for other purposes. — issued 2025-03-26 — PDF (2 pages)