Bill Text: MI SR0089 | 2021-2022 | 101st Legislature | Enrolled
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the federal government to allow persons under the age of 21 to operate commercial vehicles on interstate routes.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2021-11-10 - Adopted [SR0089 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2021-SR0089-Enrolled.html
senate resolution no.89
Senator Barrett offered the following resolution:
Whereas, In most states, including Michigan, drivers 18 years and older may obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate commercial vehicles within state lines. However, federal regulations prohibit persons under the age of 21 from operating a commercial motor vehicle across state lines; and
Whereas, Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, trucking companies have lost between 5% to 15% of their drivers. Age restrictions on interstate trucking has made it more difficult to replace outgoing drivers exasperating an already tight labor market; and
Whereas, The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act (DRIVE Safe Act) has been introduced in the United States Senate to address the shortage of truck drivers across the country. Introduced in March 2021, the DRIVE Safe Act would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to create regulations to implement an apprenticeship program for licensed commercial motor vehicle drivers under the age of 21; require apprentice drivers to complete at least 400 hours of on-duty time and 240 hours of driving time with an experienced driver; and require all commercial motor vehicles used in the apprenticeship program to be equipped with safety technology. This legislation would ensure that individuals between the ages of 18 and 21, many of whom are already licensed and driving in their resident states, are trained and available to address the truck driver shortage. Further, the act will create additional career opportunities for young adults at the time they are entering the workforce; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the federal government to allow persons under the age of 21 to operate commercial trucks on interstate routes; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
