Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

H.R.623 - Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently Act of 2025; LICENSE Act of 2025 (119th Congress)

Summary

H.R. 623, the LICENSE Act of 2025, aims to modify regulations concerning commercial driver's license (CDL) testing. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to revise certain rules related to CDL knowledge and skills testing. The goal is to allow states more flexibility in administering these tests, potentially streamlining the licensing process.

Expected Effects

The bill, if enacted, would change how CDL tests are administered. It would allow states to administer driving skills tests to any CDL applicant, regardless of their state of domicile or where they received training. It also modifies requirements for CDL knowledge test examiners.

Potential Benefits

  • Increased flexibility for states in administering CDL tests.
  • Potential reduction in testing bottlenecks and wait times for applicants.
  • Streamlined licensing process for commercial drivers.
  • May lead to a larger pool of qualified commercial drivers.
  • Could improve efficiency in the transportation sector.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential for reduced testing rigor if standards are not consistently applied across states.
  • Risk of compromising safety if examiners are not adequately trained or certified.
  • Possible inconsistencies in testing standards between different states.
  • May lead to a decrease in the quality of commercial drivers.
  • Could increase the risk of accidents involving commercial vehicles if not implemented carefully.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. By setting standards for commercial driver licensing, the federal government can ensure the safe and efficient movement of goods and services across state lines. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).