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SB 884

Relating to liability for injury or damage resulting from intoxication

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Grady

Allows Maryland MVA to issue a Class B CDL with school-bus or passenger endorsements to nonresidents with an equivalent out-of-state CDL, expanding eligible intrastate drivers.

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Bill Summary · SB 884

Summary — SB 884: Commercial Driver’s Licenses — Out‑of‑State Residents — School Buses or Passenger Vehicles

Status: Withdrawn by sponsor (March 10, 2025)
Introduced: January 2025 (Maryland Senate bill text introduced Jan. 28, 2025)
Jurisdiction (bill text): Maryland
Effective date as drafted if enacted: October 1, 2025

Purpose

The bill would allow Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) to issue a Class B commercial driver’s license (CDL) with state endorsements for school bus or passenger‑vehicle operation to certain nonresidents. The change is intended to enable drivers domiciled in neighboring states — who already hold an equivalent Class B CDL and endorsements — to obtain a Maryland Class B CDL with the same endorsements.

Key provisions

  • Amends Maryland Transportation Article §16‑817 to add a new exception permitting the MVA to issue a Class B CDL with additional state‑issued endorsements for school buses or passenger vehicles to an individual who:
    • Is not a resident of Maryland; and
    • Holds the equivalent of a Class B CDL and the appropriate equivalent endorsements from the driver licensing authority of a neighboring state.
  • Repeals and reenacts §16‑815(e) (endorsement list) without substantive change; the new §16‑817(d) is the substantive addition.
  • Leaves existing limits in place elsewhere in law (e.g., rules for CDLs issued to drivers under 21, and consistency with applicable federal regulations).

Who would be affected

  • Nonresident drivers domiciled in neighboring states who possess an equivalent Class B CDL and school‑bus or passenger vehicle endorsements — they could more readily obtain Maryland Class B credentials for intrastate operation.
  • Maryland MVA — administrative processes to verify out‑of‑state equivalency and issue licenses.
  • Employers and school districts operating across state lines — potentially expands the pool of eligible drivers.
  • Potentially, public safety regulators and insurers (minimal regulatory implications tied to licensing verification).

Procedural / timeline notes

  • The bill text provided is a Maryland Senate draft (Sen. Ready, R4). It was scheduled for committee consideration and had multiple committee referrals/readings.
  • The sponsor withdrew the bill on March 10, 2025; as withdrawn, it is not advancing in the legislative session.
  • If enacted as drafted, the bill would take effect October 1, 2025.

Fiscal and policy considerations

  • The bill primarily changes licensing eligibility; expected fiscal impact is likely limited to minor administrative costs for MVA to verify out‑of‑state credentials and process additional license issuance.
  • Policy considerations include ensuring equivalency in testing, background checks, and endorsement standards between Maryland and neighboring states to maintain safety standards for passenger and school bus operation.

Related/companion measures noted in provided materials: HB 5099 and HB 1500 (companions referenced).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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