To Repeal The Requirement For The Completion Of A Human Trafficking Prevention Course For The Issuance Of A Commercial Driver License.
Summary
HB1371 would repeal the current Arkansas law that requires an applicant for a Class A commercial driver license to complete human trafficking prevention training before being issued the license. Under existing law, an applicant can satisfy the requirement either by taking a course administered or approved by the state division or by earning certification through the Truckers Against Trafficking online program and submitting proof with the CDL application. The bill removes that subsection from the Arkansas Code entirely.
As drafted, the measure would eliminate the statutory training prerequisite for new Class A CDL applicants, while leaving the rest of the commercial driver licensing framework in place. The bill specifically targets the human trafficking prevention training requirement tied to CDL issuance and renewal, and would reduce the Department of Finance and Administration’s role in verifying that training for this licensing step.
Impact
If enacted, HB1371 would amend Arkansas Code § 27-23-108 by repealing the subsection that conditions issuance of a Class A commercial driver license on completion of human trafficking prevention training. This would remove a licensing requirement for commercial truck drivers and eliminate the need for applicants to provide proof of completion of the state-approved course or Truckers Against Trafficking certification as part of the CDL application process. The bill would not appear to change other CDL qualification standards, but it would narrow the state’s licensing-related human trafficking training mandate.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears to be a deregulatory change focused on reducing a licensing requirement rather than expanding state oversight. The absence of discussion and voting history makes the overall sentiment difficult to gauge from the record provided.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns whether human trafficking prevention training should remain a mandatory condition for obtaining a Class A CDL. Supporters of repeal may view the requirement as an unnecessary barrier to entry for commercial drivers or an administrative burden, while opponents may argue that the training is an important safeguard because truck drivers can be positioned to recognize and report trafficking. No specific legislators, agencies, or stakeholder groups are identified in the provided transcripts or votes.