MOTOR VEHICLES: Provides for regulation of prices for driving courses by the Department of Public Safety. (8/1/26)
Summary
SB 309 would direct the Department of Public Safety and Corrections, public safety services, and the Office of Motor Vehicles to include pricing for driving courses in the administrative rules that govern driver education and private driving instructor schools. The bill amends two statutes: one governing prelicensing training courses for first-time adult driver’s license applicants, and another governing requirements for private training and driving instructor schools. Under the bill, the agencies would have authority to establish rules addressing the price of driving courses, along with existing rulemaking topics such as classroom size, facilities, terms, manner, and location of instruction and testing.
The bill does not create a new driver education program or change the underlying licensing requirements, but it expands the scope of state oversight over how driving courses are priced. It also preserves legislative oversight through review by the House and Senate transportation committees under the Administrative Procedure Act. The measure is set to take effect August 1, 2026.
Impact
SB 309 would amend R.S. 32:402.1 and R.S. 40:1461 to expressly authorize state regulators to address the pricing of driving courses in administrative rules. This would affect driver education providers, third-party testers, and private driving instructor schools by subjecting course pricing to agency rulemaking and legislative oversight. The bill leaves the existing structure of prelicensing training and driver education intact while adding price regulation as a formal regulatory subject.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears neutral and procedural rather than controversial. The measure is framed as an administrative clarification or expansion of regulatory authority, with no visible opposition or support documented in the available record. Its pending status suggests it was still under consideration in committee.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the scope of state control over pricing for driving courses. Supporters may view the bill as a consumer-protection and oversight measure that helps prevent unreasonable or inconsistent pricing, while critics could see it as unnecessary regulation that may limit flexibility for private driving schools and instructors. Another possible issue is whether pricing should be set through agency rules rather than left to market forces, but no specific objections or amendments are shown in the provided discussion record.