Safe Roads Act of 2009
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (20 May 2009): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
The Safe Roads Act of 2009, if enacted, would direct the Secretary of Transportation to create a national database, or clearinghouse, for positive alcohol and controlled substance test results and refusals to be tested for commercial motor vehicle operators. Employers would be prohibited from hiring such operators unless they verify the applicant has been tested for the past three years, not tested positive or completed a return-to-duty process if they did test positive, and has not refused a test. The bill also outlines requirements for employers to request and review clearinghouse records of individuals before hiring them.
This legislation would affect commercial motor vehicle operators, requiring them to undergo testing and potentially be subject to recordkeeping in the new clearinghouse. It would also impact commercial motor carrier employers, who would be responsible for checking the clearinghouse and ensuring compliance with hiring requirements. The Secretary of Transportation would be authorized to collect fees from employers and other users for accessing information from the clearinghouse to cover its operation and maintenance.
As of May 20, 2009, this bill was introduced in the Senate. Its next step in the legislative process would be consideration by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill also includes provisions for enhanced oversight of alcohol and controlled substance testing collection sites and authorizes appropriations for the establishment and maintenance of the clearinghouse.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Safe Roads Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to establish a national clearinghouse for positive alcohol and controlled substance test results and test refusals of commercial motor vehicle operators. Prohibits the release of clearinghouse information to a commercial motor carrier employer unless there has been compliance with all applicable federal privacy laws and regulations.
Authorizes the Secretary to collect fees from such employers and other authorized users for informational requests.
Prohibits an employer from hiring an individual to operate a commercial motor vehicle unless the employer has determined that the individual, for the preceding three-year period, has: (1) been tested for use of alcohol and controlled substances; (2) not tested positive for their use, or tested positive but has completed the return-to-duty process; and (3) not refused to be tested.
Directs the Secretary to establish a process: (1) to require employers to request and review any clearinghouse records of individuals before their employment as a commercial motor vehicle operator; and (2) for an individual and a state licensing authority to request and receive information from the clearinghouse.
Subjects persons who violate the requirements of this Act to both civil and criminal penalties.
Requires the Secretary to take certain actions to enhance Department of Transportation (DOT) oversight of testing sites.
Timeline
20 May 2009
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 1113 do?
- The Safe Roads Act of 2009, if enacted, would direct the Secretary of Transportation to create a national database, or clearinghouse, for positive alcohol and controlled substance test results and refusals to be tested for commercial motor vehicle operators. Employers would be prohibited from hiring such operators unless they verify the applicant has been tested for the past three years, not tested positive or completed a return-to-duty process if they did test positive, and has not refused a test. The bill also outlines requirements for employers to request and review clearinghouse records of individuals before hiring them. This legislation would affect commercial motor vehicle operators, requiring them to undergo testing and potentially be subject to recordkeeping in the new clearinghouse. It would also impact commercial motor carrier employers, who would be responsible for checking the clearinghouse and ensuring compliance with hiring requirements. The Secretary of Transportation would be authorized to collect fees from employers and other users for accessing information from the clearinghouse to cover its operation and maintenance. As of May 20, 2009, this bill was introduced in the Senate. Its next step in the legislative process would be consideration by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The bill also includes provisions for enhanced oversight of alcohol and controlled substance testing collection sites and authorizes appropriations for the establishment and maintenance of the clearinghouse.
- Has S. 1113 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 1113. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 1113?
- S. 1113 was sponsored by Sen. Pryor, Mark L. [D-AR] (D-AR), with 6 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 1113?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (20 May 2009).
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