STAND. COM. REP. NO. 2800

Honolulu, Hawaii

RE:    S.B. No. 2871

       S.D. 1

Honorable Shan S. Tsutsui

President of the Senate

Twenty-Sixth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2012

State of Hawaii

Sir:

     Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred S.B. No. 2871, S.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE,"

begs leave to report as follows:

     The purpose and intent of this measure is to prohibit the act of texting on an electronic device while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

     In addition, the measure:

     (1)  Defines the terms "electronic device" and "texting";

     (2)  Amends the definition of "serious traffic violation" to include texting on an electronic device while operating a commercial vehicle; and

     (3)  Requires a person operating a commercial vehicle to have in the person's possession a commercial driver's license.

     Written comments in support were submitted by the Hawaii Transportation Authority and General Motors.

     Your Committee finds that this measure substantially conforms state law with federal regulations regarding the physical possession of commercial driving licenses and prohibiting texting while operating a commercial motor vehicle.

     As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of S.B. No. 2871, S.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,

____________________________

DAVID Y. IGE, Chair