HB1371

To Repeal The Requirement For The Completion Of A Human Trafficking Prevention Course For The Issuance Of A Commercial Driver License.

Failed

Last Action (May 5, 2025): Died in House Committee at Sine Die adjournment.

AI-Generated Summary

House Bill 1371 seeks to repeal an existing requirement in Arkansas law that mandates individuals complete a human trafficking prevention course as a condition for the issuance of a Class A commercial driver license (CDL). Under current law, applicants must either complete a division-approved course or become a 'Certified Trucker Against Trafficking' and provide evidence of this completion to the Department of Finance and Administration. The bill removes this specific training requirement from the commercial driver license qualification standards found in Arkansas Code § 27-23-108(e). The legislation aims to streamline the licensing process by eliminating this training mandate for new CDL applicants. The bill maintains no further provisions regarding this training requirement.

Potential Impact Analysis

Who Might Benefit?

The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be individuals seeking to obtain a Class A commercial driver license in Arkansas, as they would no longer be required to invest time and effort into completing human trafficking prevention training. Additionally, the Department of Finance and Administration would benefit from reduced administrative burdens related to verifying and tracking the completion of these courses for license applicants.

Who Might Suffer?

The groups most directly and negatively impacted would be advocacy organizations and victims of human trafficking, as the reduction in training may lead to a decreased number of professional drivers who are equipped with the knowledge to identify and report signs of trafficking. Anti-trafficking efforts may see a decline in the awareness and vigilance of the commercial trucking workforce, which is often cited as a key frontline in detecting these crimes.

Read Full Bill on arkleg.state.ar.us