Sen. Ernest F. “Fritz” Hollings (D-SC) (pictured) has introduced legislation that would clarify provisions in the recently enacted anti-terrorism bill (the “USA-Patriot Act”) that would require criminal background checks of drivers who seek hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsements on their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs).
Hollings, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, says that the legislation (S. 1750) is needed to make technical corrections to the USA-Patriot Act, because amendments were not permitted during consideration of the original bill.
The “Hazmat Endorsements Requirement Act” is co-sponsored by Sens. John McCain (R-AZ), John Breaux (D-LA), and Gordon Smith (R-OR). S. 1750 clarifies the definition of “hazmats” and gives the Secretary of Transportation the ability to expand the list as national security issues require; defines disqualifying offenses that would result in the denial of a hazmat endorsement; provides for an appeals process in the event an individual is denied a hazmat endorsement based on the results of a background check; extends the requirement for background checks to Canadian and Mexican drivers who drive commercial vehicles carrying hazmats in the U.S.; establishes penalties for fraudulently issued or obtained licenses; and requires the Department of Transportation to report back to the Congress on security improvements that can be made in the transport of hazmats.
