[106th Congress Public Law 159]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
<DOC>
[DOCID: f:publ159.106]
[[Page 1747]]
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999
[[Page 113 STAT. 1748]]
Public Law 106-159
106th Congress
An Act
To amend <<NOTE: Dec. 9, 1999 - [H.R. 3419]>> title 49, United States
Code, to establish the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, and
for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress <<NOTE: Motor Carrier Safety
Impovement Act of 1999.>> assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short <<NOTE: 49 USC 101 note.>> Title.--This Act may be cited
as the ``Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999''.
(b) Table of Contents.--
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Secretary defined.
Sec. 3. Findings.
Sec. 4. Purposes.
TITLE I--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
Sec. 101. Establishment of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Sec. 102. Revenue aligned budget authority.
Sec. 103. Additional funding for motor carrier safety grant program.
Sec. 104. Motor carrier safety strategy.
Sec. 105. Commercial motor vehicle safety advisory committee.
Sec. 106. Saving provisions.
Sec. 107. Effective date.
TITLE II--COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE AND DRIVER SAFETY
Sec. 201. Disqualifications.
Sec. 202. Requirements for State participation.
Sec. 203. State noncompliance.
Sec. 204. Checks before issuance of driver's licenses.
Sec. 205. Registration enforcement.
Sec. 206. Delinquent payment of penalties.
Sec. 207. State cooperation in registration enforcement.
Sec. 208. Imminent hazard.
Sec. 209. Household goods amendments.
Sec. 210. New motor carrier entrant requirements.
Sec. 211. Certification of safety auditors.
Sec. 212. Commercial van rulemaking.
Sec. 213. 24-hour staffing of telephone hotline.
Sec. 214. CDL school bus endorsement.
Sec. 215. Medical certificate.
Sec. 216. Implementation of Inspector General recommendations.
Sec. 217. Periodic refiling of motor carrier identification reports.
Sec. 218. Border staffing standards.
Sec. 219. Foreign motor carrier penalties and disqualifications.
Sec. 220. Traffic law initiative.
Sec. 221. State-to-State notification of violations data.
Sec. 222. Minimum and maximum assessments.
Sec. 223. Motor carrier safety progress report.
Sec. 224. Study of commercial motor vehicle crash causation.
Sec. 225. Data collection and analysis.
Sec. 226. Drug test results study.
Sec. 227. Approval of agreements.
Sec. 228. DOT authority.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1749]]
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 101 note.>> 2. SECRETARY DEFINED.
In this Act, the term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary of
Transportation.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 113 note.>> 3. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The current rate, number, and severity of crashes
involving motor carriers in the United States are unacceptable.
(2) The number of Federal and State commercial motor vehicle
and operator inspections is insufficient and civil penalties for
violators must be utilized to deter future violations.
(3) The Department of Transportation is failing to meet
statutorily mandated deadlines for completing rulemaking
proceedings on motor carrier safety and, in some significant
safety rulemaking proceedings, including driver hours-of-service
regulations, extensive periods have elapsed without progress
toward resolution or implementation.
(4) Too few motor carriers undergo compliance reviews and
the Department's data bases and information systems require
substantial improvement to enhance the Department's ability to
target inspection and enforcement resources toward the most
serious safety problems and to improve States' ability to keep
dangerous drivers off the roads.
(5) Additional safety inspectors and inspection facilities
are needed in international border areas to ensure that
commercial motor vehicles, drivers, and carriers comply with
United States safety standards.
(6) The Department should rigorously avoid conflicts of
interest in federally funded research.
(7) Meaningful measures to improve safety must be
implemented expeditiously to prevent increases in motor carrier
crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
(8) Proper use of Federal resources is essential to the
Department's ability to improve its research, rulemaking,
oversight, and enforcement activities related to commercial
motor vehicles, operators, and carriers.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 113 note.>> 4. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this Act are--
(1) to improve the administration of the Federal motor
carrier safety program and to establish a Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration in the Department of Transportation; and
(2) to reduce the number and severity of large-truck
involved crashes through more commercial motor vehicle and
operator inspections and motor carrier compliance reviews,
stronger enforcement measures against violators, expedited
completion of rulemaking proceedings, scientifically sound
research, and effective commercial driver's license testing,
recordkeeping and sanctions.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1750]]
TITLE I--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION
SEC. 101. ESTABLISHMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 113. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
``(a) In General.--The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
shall be an administration of the Department of Transportation.
``(b) Safety as Highest Priority.--In carrying out its duties, the
Administration shall consider the assignment and maintenance of safety
as the highest priority, recognizing the clear intent, encouragement,
and dedication of Congress to the furtherance of the highest degree of
safety in motor carrier transportation.
``(c) Administrator.--The head of the Administration shall be the
Administrator who shall be appointed by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate, and shall be an individual with
professional experience in motor carrier safety. The Administrator shall
report directly to the Secretary of Transportation.
``(d) Deputy Administrator.--The Administration shall have a Deputy
Administrator appointed by the Secretary, with the approval of the
President. The Deputy Administrator shall carry out duties and powers
prescribed by the Administrator.
``(e) Chief Safety Officer.--The Administration shall have an
Assistant Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator appointed in the
competitive service by the Secretary, with the approval of the
President. The Assistant Administrator shall be the Chief Safety Officer
of the Administration. The Assistant Administrator shall carry out the
duties and powers prescribed by the Administrator.
``(f ) Powers and Duties.--The Administrator shall carry out--
``(1) duties and powers related to motor carriers or motor
carrier safety vested in the Secretary by chapters 5, 51, 55,
57, 59, 133 through 149, 311, 313, 315, and 317 and by section
18 of the Noise Control Act of 1972 (42 U.S.C. 4917; 86 Stat.
1249-1250); except as otherwise delegated by the Secretary to
any agency of the Department of Transportation other than the
Federal Highway Administration, as of October 8, 1999; and
``(2) additional duties and powers prescribed by the
Secretary.
``(g) Limitation on Transfer of Powers and Duties.--A duty or power
specified in subsection (f )(1) may only be transferred to another part
of the Department when specifically provided by law.
``(h) Effect of Certain Decisions.--A decision of the Administrator
involving a duty or power specified in subsection (f )(1) and involving
notice and hearing required by law is administratively final.
``(i) Consultation.--The Administrator shall consult with the
Federal Highway Administrator and with the National Highway
[[Page 113 STAT. 1751]]
Traffic Safety Administrator on matters related to highway and motor
carrier safety.''.
(b) Administrative Expenses.--Section 104(a)(1) of title 23, United
States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and
(B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively, and by moving the
text of such clauses 2 ems to the right;
(2) in paragraph (1) by striking ``exceed 1\1/2\ percent of
all sums so made available, as the Secretary determines
necessary--'' and inserting ``exceed--
``(A) 1\1/6\ percent of all sums so made available,
as the Secretary determines necessary--'';
(3) by striking the period at the end of paragraph
(1)(A)(ii) (as redesignated by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this
subsection) and inserting ``; and'' and the following:
``(B) one-third of 1 percent of all sums so made
available, as the Secretary determines necessary, to
administer the provisions of law to be financed from
appropriations for motor carrier safety programs and
motor carrier safety research.''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Limitation on transferability.--Unless expressly
authorized by law, the Secretary may not transfer any sums
deducted under paragraph (1) to a Federal agency or entity other
than the Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Chapter analysis.--The analysis for chapter 1 of title
49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``113. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.''.
(2) Federal highway administration.--Section 104 of title
49, United States Code, is amended--
(A) in subsection (c)--
(i) by striking the semicolon at the end of
paragraph (1) and inserting ``; and'';
(ii) by striking paragraph (2); and
(iii) by redesignating paragraph (3) as para-
graph (2);
(B) by striking subsection (d); and
(C) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection
(d).
(d) Positions in Executive Service.--
(1) Administrator.--Section 5314 of title 5, United States
Code, is amended by inserting after
``Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.''
the following:
``Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration.''.
(2) Deputy and assistant administrators.--Section 5316 of
title 5, United States Code, is amended by inserting after
``Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration.''
the following:
``Deputy Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration.
``Assistant Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrator.''.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1752]]
(e) Personnel Levels.--The number of personnel positions at the
Office of Motor Carrier Safety (and, beginning on January 1, 2000, the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) at its headquarters
location in fiscal year 2000 shall not be increased above the level
transferred from the Federal Highway Administration to the Office of
Motor Carrier Safety. The Secretary shall provide detailed
justifications to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of
the House of Representatives for the personnel requested for fiscal
years 2001, 2002, and 2003 for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration when the President submits his budget, including a
justification for increasing personnel at headquarters above the levels
so transferred.
(f ) <<NOTE: 49 USC 31136 note.>> Authority to Promulgate Safety
Standards for Retrofitting.--The authority under title 49, United States
Code, to promulgate safety standards for commercial motor vehicles and
equipment subsequent to initial manufacture is vested in the Secretary
and may be delegated.
(g) <<NOTE: 49 USC 330 note.>> Conflicts of Interest.--
(1) Compliance with regulation.--In awarding any contract
for research, the Secretary shall comply with section 1252.209-
70 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the
date of the enactment of this section. The Secretary shall
require that the text of such section be included in any request
for proposal and contract for research made by the Secretary.
(2) Study.--
(A) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study
to determine whether or not compliance with the section
referred to in paragraph (1) is sufficient to avoid
conflicts of interest in contracts for research awarded
by the Secretary and to evaluate whether or not
compliance with such section unreasonably delays or
burdens the awarding of such contracts.
(B) Consultation.--In conducting the study under
this paragraph, the Secretary shall consult, as
appropriate, with the Inspector General of the
Department of Transportation, the Comptroller General,
the heads of other Federal agencies, research
organizations, industry representatives, employee
organizations, safety organizations, and other entities.
(C) <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Report.--Not later than 18
months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the
Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives a report on the results of the
study conducted under this paragraph.
SEC. 102. REVENUE ALIGNED BUDGET AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--Chapter 1 of title 23, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by redesignating the first section 110, relating to
uniform transferability of Federal-aid highway funds, as section
126 and moving and inserting such section after section 125 of
such chapter; and
(2) in the remaining section 110, relating to revenue
aligned budget authority--
[[Page 113 STAT. 1753]]
(A) in subsection (a)(2) by inserting ``and the
motor carrier safety grant program'' after ``relief)'';
and
(B) in subsection (b)(1)(A)--
(i) by inserting ``and the motor carrier
safety grant program'' after ``program)'';
(ii) by striking ``title and'' and inserting
``title,''; and
(iii) by inserting ``, and subchapter I of
chapter 311 of title 49'' after ``21st Century''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter is
amended--
(1) by striking
``110. Uniform transferability of Federal-aid highway funds.'';
(2) by inserting after the item relating to section 125 the
following:
``126. Uniform transferability of Federal-aid highway funds.'';
and
(3) in the item relating to section 163 by striking
``Sec.''.
SEC. 103. ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated out of the
Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account) for the
Secretary of Transportation to carry out section 31102 of title 49,
United States Code, $75,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001 through
2003.
(b) Increased Authorizations for Motor Carrier Safety Grants.--
(1) <<NOTE: 49 USC 31104 note.>> In general.--Section 4003
of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (112 Stat.
395-398) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(i) Increased Authorizations for Motor Carrier Safety Grants.--The
amount made available to incur obligations to carry out section 31102 of
title 49, United States Code, by section 31104(a) of such title for each
of fiscal years 2001 through 2003 shall be increased by $65,000,000.''.
(2) Corresponding reduction to obligation ceiling.--Section
1102 of such Act (23 U.S.C. 104 note; 112 Stat. 1115-1118) is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``( j) Reduction in Obligation Ceiling.--The limitation on
obligations imposed by subsection (a) for each of fiscal years 2001
through 2003 shall be reduced by $65,000,000.''.
(c) Maintenance <<NOTE: 49 USC 31102 note.>> of Effort.--The
Secretary may not make, from funds made available by or under this
section (including any amendment made by this section), a grant to a
State unless the State first enters into a binding agreement with the
Secretary that provides that the total expenditures of amounts of the
State and its political subdivisions (not including amounts of the
United States) for the development or implementation of programs for
improving motor carrier safety and enforcement of regulations,
standards, and orders of the United States on commercial motor vehicle
safety, hazardous materials transportation safety, and compatible State
regulations, standards, and orders will be maintained at a level at
least equal to the average level of such expenditures for fiscal years
1997, 1998, and 1999.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1754]]
(d) Emergency CDL Grants.--Section 31107 of title 49, United States
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Emergency CDL Grants.--From amounts made available by
subsection (a) for a fiscal year, the Secretary of Transportation may
make a grant of up to $1,000,000 to a State whose commercial driver's
license program may fail to meet the compliance requirements of section
31311(a).''.
(e) <<NOTE: 49 USC 31102 note.>> State Compliance With CDL
Requirements.--
(1) Withholding of allocation for noncompliance.--If a State
is not in substantial compliance with each requirement of
section 31311 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary
shall withhold all amounts that would be allocated, but for this
paragraph, to the State from funds made available by or under
this section (including any amendment made by this section).
(2) Period of availability of withheld funds.--Any funds
withheld under paragraph (1) from any State shall remain
available until June 30 of the fiscal year for which the funds
are authorized to be appropriated.
(3) Allocation of withheld funds after compliance.--If,
before the last day of the period for which funds are withheld
under paragraph (1) from allocation are to remain available for
allocation to a State under paragraph (2), the Secretary
determines that the State is in substantial compliance with each
requirement of section 31311 of title 49, United States Code,
the Secretary shall allocate to the State the withheld funds.
(4) Period of availability of subsequently allocated
funds.--Any funds allocated pursuant to paragraph (3) shall
remain available for expenditure until the last day of the first
fiscal year following the fiscal year in which the funds are so
allocated. Sums not expended at the end of such period are
released to the Secretary for reallocation.
(5) Effect of noncompliance.--If, on June 30 of the fiscal
year in which funds are withheld from allocation under paragraph
(1), the State is not substantially complying with each
requirement of section 31311 of title 49, United States Code,
the funds are released to the Secretary for reallocation.
SEC. 104. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31100 note.>> MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY STRATEGY.
(a) Safety Goals.--In conjunction with existing federally required
strategic planning efforts, the Secretary shall develop a long-term
strategy for improving commercial motor vehicle, operator, and carrier
safety. The strategy shall include an annual plan and schedule for
achieving, at a minimum, the following goals:
(1) Reducing the number and rates of crashes, injuries, and
fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles.
(2) Improving the consistency and effectiveness of
commercial motor vehicle, operator, and carrier enforcement and
compliance programs.
(3) Identifying and targeting enforcement efforts at high-
risk commercial motor vehicles, operators, and carriers.
(4) Improving research efforts to enhance and promote
commercial motor vehicle, operator, and carrier safety and
performance.
(b) Contents of Strategy.--
[[Page 113 STAT. 1755]]
(1) Measurable goals.--The strategy and annual plans under
subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, specific numeric or
measurable goals designed to achieve the strategic goals of
subsection (a). The purposes of the numeric or measurable goals
are as follows:
(A) To increase the number of inspections and
compliance reviews to ensure that all high-risk
commercial motor vehicles, operators, and carriers are
examined.
(B) To eliminate, with meaningful safety measures,
the backlog of rulemakings.
(C) To improve the quality and effectiveness of data
bases by ensuring that all States and inspectors
accurately and promptly report complete safety
information.
(D) To eliminate, with meaningful civil and criminal
penalties for violations, the backlog of enforcement
cases.
(E) To provide for a sufficient number of Federal
and State safety inspectors, and provide adequate
facilities and equipment, at international border areas.
(2) Resource needs.--In addition, the strategy and annual
plans shall include estimates of the funds and staff resources
needed to accomplish each activity. Such estimates shall also
include the staff skills and training needed for timely and
effective accomplishment of each goal.
(3) Savings clause.--In developing and assessing progress
toward meeting the measurable goals set forth in this
subsection, the Secretary and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administrator shall not take any action that would impinge on
the due process rights of motor carriers and drivers.
(c) Submission With the President's Budget.--Beginning with fiscal
year 2001 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress the strategy and annual plan at the same time as the
President's budget submission.
(d) Annual Performance.--
(1) Annual performance agreement.--For each of fiscal years
2001 through 2003, the following officials shall enter into
annual performance agreements:
(A) The Secretary and the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administrator.
(B) The Administrator and the Deputy Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administrator.
(C) The Administrator and the Chief Safety Officer
of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
(D) The Administrator and the regulatory ombudsman
of the Administration designated by the Administrator
under subsection (f ).
(2) Goals.--Each annual performance agreement entered into
under paragraph (1) shall include the appropriate numeric or
measurable goals of subsection (b).
(3) Progress assessment.--Consistent with the current
performance appraisal system of the Department of
Transportation, the Secretary shall assess the progress of each
official (other than the Secretary) referred to in paragraph (1)
toward achieving the goals in his or her performance agreement.
The Secretary shall convey the assessment to such official,
including identification of any deficiencies that should be
remediated before the next progress assessment.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1756]]
(4) Administration.--In deciding whether or not to award a
bonus or other achievement award to an official of the
Administration who is a party to a performance agreement
required by this subsection, the Secretary shall give
substantial weight to whether the official has made satisfactory
progress toward meeting the goals of his or her performance
agreement.
(e) Achievement of Goals.--
(1) Progress assessment.--No less frequently than
semiannually, the Secretary and the Administrator shall assess
the progress of the Administration toward achieving the
strategic goals of subsection (a). The Secretary and the
Administrator shall convey their assessment to the employees of
the Administration and shall identify any deficiencies that
should be remediated before the next progress assessment.
(2) Report to congress.--The Secretary shall report annually
to Congress the contents of each performance agreement entered
into under subsection (d) and the official's performance
relative to the goals of the performance agreement. In addition,
the Secretary shall report to Congress on the performance of the
Administration relative to the goals of the motor carrier safety
strategy and annual plan under subsection (a).
(f ) Expediting Regulatory Proceedings.--The Administrator shall
designate a regulatory ombudsman to expedite rulemaking proceedings. The
Secretary and the Administrator shall each delegate to the ombudsman
such authority as may be necessary for the ombudsman to expedite
rulemaking proceedings of the Administration to comply with statutory
and internal departmental deadlines, including authority to--
(1) make decisions to resolve disagreements between
officials in the Administration who are participating in a
rulemaking process; and
(2) ensure that sufficient staff are assigned to rulemaking
projects to meet all deadlines.
SEC. 105. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31100 note.>> COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY
ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
(a) Establishment.--The Secretary may establish a commercial motor
vehicle safety advisory committee to provide advice and recommendations
on a range of motor carrier safety issues.
(b) Composition.--The members of the advisory committee shall be
appointed by the Secretary and shall include representatives of the
motor carrier industry, drivers, safety advocates, manufacturers, safety
enforcement officials, law enforcement agencies of border States, and
other individuals affected by rulemakings under consideration by the
Department of Transportation. Representatives of a single interest group
may not constitute a majority of the members of the advisory committee.
(c) Function.--The advisory committee shall provide advice to the
Secretary on commercial motor vehicle safety regulations and other
matters relating to activities and functions of the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration.
(d) Termination Date.--The advisory committee shall remain in effect
until September 30, 2003.
SEC. 106. <<NOTE: 49 USC 113 note.>> SAVINGS PROVISION.
(a) Transfer of Assets and Personnel.--Except as otherwise provided
in this Act and the amendments made by this Act, those
[[Page 113 STAT. 1757]]
personnel, property, and records employed, used, held, available, or to
be made available in connection with a function transferred to the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration by this Act shall be
transferred to the Administration for use in connection with the
functions transferred, and unexpended balances of appropriations,
allocations, and other funds of the Office of Motor Carrier Safety
(including any predecessor entity) shall also be transferred to the
Administration.
(b) Legal Documents.--All orders, determinations, rules,
regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, settlements, agreements,
certificates, licenses, and privileges--
(1) that have been issued, made, granted, or allowed to
become effective by the Office, any officer or employee of the
Office, or any other Government official, or by a court of
competent jurisdiction, in the performance of any function that
is transferred by this Act or the amendments made by this Act;
and
(2) that are in effect on the effective date of such
transfer (or become effective after such date pursuant to their
terms as in effect on such effective date),
shall continue in effect according to their terms until modified,
terminated, superseded, set aside, or revoked in accordance with law by
the Administration, any other authorized official, a court of competent
jurisdiction, or operation of law.
(c) Proceedings.--
(1) In general.--The provisions of this Act shall not affect
any proceedings or any application for any license pending
before the Office at the time this Act takes effect, insofar as
those functions are transferred by this Act; but such
proceedings and applications, to the extent that they relate to
functions so transferred, shall be continued. Orders shall be
issued in such proceedings, appeals shall be taken therefrom,
and payments shall be made pursuant to such orders, as if this
Act had not been enacted; and orders issued in any such
proceedings shall continue in effect until modified, terminated,
superseded, or revoked by a duly authorized official, by a court
of competent jurisdiction, or by operation of law.
(2) Statutory construction.--Nothing in this subsection
shall be deemed to prohibit the discontinuance or modification
of any proceeding described in paragraph (1) under the same
terms and conditions and to the same extent that such proceeding
could have been discontinued or modified if this Act had not
been enacted.
(3) Orderly transfer.--The Secretary is authorized to
provide for the orderly transfer of pending proceedings from the
Office.
(d) Suits.--
(1) In general.--This Act shall not affect suits commenced
before the date of the enactment of this Act, except as provided
in paragraphs (2) and (3). In all such suits, proceeding shall
be had, appeals taken, and judgments rendered in the same manner
and with the same effect as if this Act had not been enacted.
(2) Suits by or against omcs.--Any suit by or against the
Office begun before January 1, 2000, shall be continued, insofar
as it involves a function retained and transferred under this
Act, with the Administration (to the extent the suit involves
[[Page 113 STAT. 1758]]
functions transferred to the Administration under this Act)
substituted for the Office.
(3) Remanded cases.--If the court in a suit described in
paragraph (1) remands a case to the Administration, subsequent
proceedings related to such case shall proceed in accordance
with applicable law and regulations as in effect at the time of
such subsequent proceedings.
(e) Continuance of Actions Against Officers.--No suit, action, or
other proceeding commenced by or against any officer in his official
capacity as an officer of the Office shall abate by reason of the
enactment of this Act. No cause of action by or against the Office, or
by or against any officer thereof in his official capacity, shall abate
by reason of the enactment of this Act.
(f ) Exercise of Authorities.--Except as otherwise provided by law,
an officer or employee of the Administration may, for purposes of
performing a function transferred by this Act or the amendments made by
this Act, exercise all authorities under any other provision of law that
were available with respect to the performance of that function to the
official responsible for the performance of the function immediately
before the effective date of the transfer of the function under this Act
or the amendments made by this Act.
(g) References.--Any reference to the Office in any Federal law,
Executive order, rule, regulation, or delegation of authority, or any
document of or pertaining to the Office or an officer or employee of the
Office is deemed to refer to the Administration or a member or employee
of the Administration, as appropriate.
SEC. 107. EFFECTIVE DATE.
(a) <<NOTE: 49 USC 104 note.>> In General.--This Act shall take
effect on the date of the enactment of this Act; except that the
amendments made by section 101 shall take effect on January 1, 2000.
(b) <<NOTE: 31 USC 1105 note.>> Budget Submissions.--The
President's budget submission for fiscal year 2001 and each fiscal year
thereafter shall reflect the establishment of the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration in accordance with this Act.
TITLE II--COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE AND DRIVER SAFETY
SEC. 201. DISQUALIFICATIONS.
(a) Driving While Disqualified and Causing a Fatality.--
(1) First violation.--Section 31310(b)(1) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(A) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph
(B);
(B) by striking the period at the end of
subparagraph (C) and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) committing a first violation of driving a commercial
motor vehicle when the individual's commercial driver's license
is revoked, suspended, or canceled based on the individual's
operation of a commercial motor vehicle or when the individual
is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle based
on the individual's operation of a commercial motor vehicle; or
[[Page 113 STAT. 1759]]
``(E) convicted of causing a fatality through negligent or
criminal operation of a commercial motor vehicle.''.
(2) Second and multiple violations.--Section 31310(c)(1) of
such title is amended--
(A) by striking ``or'' at the end of subparagraph
(C);
(B) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as
subparagraph (F);
(C) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the
following:
``(D) committing more than one violation of driving a
commercial motor vehicle when the individual's commercial
driver's license is revoked, suspended, or canceled based on the
individual's operation of a commercial motor vehicle or when the
individual is disqualified from operating a commercial motor
vehicle based on the individual's operation of a commercial
motor vehicle;
``(E) convicted of more than one offense of causing a
fatality through negligent or criminal operation of a commercial
motor vehicle; or''; and
(D) in subparagraph (F) (as redesignated by
subparagraph (B) of this paragraph) by striking
``clauses (A)-(C) of this paragraph'' and inserting
``subparagraphs (A) through (E)''.
(3) Conforming amendment.--Section 31301(12)(C) of such
title is amended by inserting ``, other than a violation to
which section 31310(b)(1)(E) or 31310(c)(1)(E) applies'' after
``a fatality''.
(b) Emergency Disqualification; Noncommercial Motor Vehicle
Convictions.--Section 31310 of such title is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (f ), (g), and (h) as
subsections (h), (i), and ( j), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
``(f ) Emergency Disqualification.--
``(1) Limited duration.--The Secretary shall disqualify an
individual from operating a commercial motor vehicle for not to
exceed 30 days if the Secretary determines that allowing the
individual to continue to operate a commercial motor vehicle
would create an imminent hazard (as such term is defined in
section 5102).
``(2) After notice and hearing.--The Secretary shall
disqualify an individual from operating a commercial motor
vehicle for more than 30 days if the Secretary determines, after
notice and an opportunity for a hearing, that allowing the
individual to continue to operate a commercial motor vehicle
would create an imminent hazard (as such term is defined in
section 5102).
``(g) Noncommercial Motor Vehicle Convictions.--
``(1) Issuance of regulations.--Not <<NOTE: Deadline.>>
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary shall issue regulations providing for the
disqualification by the Secretary from operating a commercial
motor vehicle of an individual who holds a commercial driver's
license and who has been convicted of--
``(A) a serious offense involving a motor vehicle
(other than a commercial motor vehicle) that has
resulted in the revocation, cancellation, or suspension
of the individual's license; or
``(B) a drug or alcohol related offense involving a
motor vehicle (other than a commercial motor vehicle).
[[Page 113 STAT. 1760]]
``(2) Requirements for regulations.--Regulations issued
under paragraph (1) shall establish the minimum periods for
which the disqualifications shall be in effect, but in no case
shall the time periods for disqualification for noncommercial
motor vehicle violations be more stringent than those for
offenses or violations involving a commercial motor vehicle. The
Secretary shall determine such periods based on the seriousness
of the offenses on which the convictions are based.''; and
(3) in subsection (h) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of
this subsection) by striking ``(b)-(e)'' each place it appears
and inserting ``(b) through (g)''.
(c) Serious Traffic Violations.--Section 31301(12) of such title is
amended--
(1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (C);
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (G);
and
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following:
``(D) driving a commercial motor vehicle when the individual
has not obtained a commercial driver's license;
``(E) driving a commercial motor vehicle when the individual
does not have in his or her possession a commercial driver's
license unless the individual provides, by the date that the
individual must appear in court or pay any fine with respect to
the citation, to the enforcement authority that issued the
citation proof that the individual held a valid commercial
driver's license on the date of the citation;
``(F) driving a commercial motor vehicle when the individual
has not met the minimum testing standards--
``(i) under section 31305(a)(3) for the specific
class of vehicle the individual is operating; or
``(ii) under section 31305(a)(5) for the type of
cargo the vehicle is carrying; and''.
(d) Conforming Amendments.--Section 31305(b)(1) of such title is
amended--
(1) by striking ``to operate the vehicle''; and
(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following:
``to operate the vehicle and has a commercial driver's license
to operate the vehicle''.
SEC. 202. REQUIREMENTS FOR STATE PARTICIPATION.
(a) Requests for Driving Record Information.--Section 31311(a)(6) of
title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``or renewing such a license'' before the
comma; and
(2) by striking ``commercial'' the second place it appears.
(b) Recording of Violations.--Section 31311(a)(8) of such title is
amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: ``, and
the violation that resulted in the disqualification, revocation,
suspension, or cancellation shall be recorded''.
(c) Notification of State Officials.--Section 31311(a)(9) of such
title is amended to read as follows:
``(9) If an individual violates a State or local law on
motor vehicle traffic control (except a parking violation) and
the individual--
``(A) has a commercial driver's license issued by
another State; or
[[Page 113 STAT. 1761]]
``(B) is operating a commercial vehicle without a
commercial driver's license and has a driver's license
issued by another State,
the State in which the violation occurred shall notify a State
official designated by the issuing State of the violations not
later than 10 days after the date the individual is found to
have committed the violation.''.
(d) Provisional Licenses.--Section 31311(a)(10) of such title is
amended--
(1) by striking ``(10)'' and inserting ``(10)(A)''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(B) The State may not issue a special license or permit
(including a provisional or temporary license) to an individual
who holds a commercial driver's license that permits the
individual to drive a commercial motor vehicle during a period
in which--
``(i) the individual is disqualified from operating
a commercial motor vehicle; or
``(ii) the individual's driver's license is revoked,
suspended, or canceled.''.
(e) Penalties.--Section 31311(a)(13) of such title is amended--
(1) by inserting ``consistent with this chapter that'' after
``penalties''; and
(2) by striking ``vehicle'' the first place it appears and
all that follows through the period at the end and inserting
``vehicle.''.
(f ) Records of Violations.--Section 31311(a) of such title is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(18) The State shall maintain, as part of its driver
information system, a record of each violation of a State or
local motor vehicle traffic control law while operating a motor
vehicle (except a parking violation) for each individual who
holds a commercial driver's license. The record shall be
available upon request to the individual, the Secretary,
employers, prospective employers, State licensing and law
enforcement agencies, and their authorized agents.''.
(g) Masking.--Section 31311(a) of such title is further amended by
adding at the end the following:
``(19) The State shall--
``(A) record in the driving record of an individual
who has a commercial driver's license issued by the
State; and
``(B) make available to all authorized persons and
governmental entities having access to such record,
all information the State receives under paragraph (9) with
respect to the individual and every violation by the individual
involving a motor vehicle (including a commercial motor vehicle)
of a State or local law on traffic control (except a parking
violation), not later than 10 days after the date of receipt of
such information or the date of such violation, as the case may
be. The State may not allow information regarding such
violations to be withheld or masked in any way from the record
of an individual possessing a commercial driver's license.''.
(h) Noncommercial Motor Vehicle Convictions.--Section 31311(a) of
such title is further amended by adding at the end the following:
[[Page 113 STAT. 1762]]
``(20) The State shall revoke, suspend, or cancel the
commercial driver's license of an individual in accordance with
regulations issued by the Secretary to carry out section
31310(g).''.
SEC. 203. STATE NONCOMPLIANCE.
(a) In General.--Chapter 313 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 31311 the following:
``Sec. 31312. Decertification authority
``(a) In General.--If the Secretary of Transportation determines
that a State is in substantial noncompliance with this chapter, the
Secretary shall issue an order to--
``(1) prohibit that State from carrying out licensing
procedures under this chapter; and
``(2) prohibit that State from issuing any commercial
driver's licenses until such time the Secretary determines such
State is in substantial compliance with this chapter.
``(b) Effect on Other States.--A State (other than a State subject
to an order under subsection (a)) may issue a non-resident commercial
driver's license to an individual domiciled in a State that is
prohibited from such activities under subsection (a) if that individual
meets all requirements of this chapter and the nonresident licensing
requirements of the issuing State.
``(c) Previously Issued Licenses.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as invalidating or otherwise affecting commercial driver's
licenses issued by a State before the date of issuance of an order under
subsection (a) with respect to the State.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 313 of
such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section
31311 the following:
``31312. Decertification authority.''.
SEC. 204. CHECKS BEFORE ISSUANCE OF DRIVER'S LICENSES.
Section 30304 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following:
``(e) Driver Record Inquiry.--Before issuing a motor vehicle
operator's license to an individual or renewing such a license, a State
shall request from the Secretary information from the National Driver
Register under section 30302 and the commercial driver's license
information system under section 31309 on the individual's driving
record.''.
SEC. 205. REGISTRATION ENFORCEMENT.
Section 13902 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f ); and
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Penalties for Failure To Comply With Registration
Requirements.--In addition to other penalties available under law, motor
carriers that fail to register their operations as required by this
section or that operate beyond the scope of their registrations may be
subject to the following penalties:
``(1) Out-of-service orders.--If, upon inspection or
investigation, the Secretary determines that a motor vehicle
providing transportation requiring registration under this
section is operating without a registration or beyond the scope
of its registration, the Secretary may order the vehicle out-of-
service. Subsequent to the issuance of the out-of-service order,
the
[[Page 113 STAT. 1763]]
Secretary shall provide an opportunity for review in accordance
with section 554 of title 5, United States Code; except that
such review shall occur not later than 10 days after issuance of
such order.
``(2) Permission for operations.--A person domiciled in a
country contiguous to the United States with respect to which an
action under subsection (c)(1)(A) or (c)(1)(B) is in effect and
providing transportation for which registration is required
under this section shall maintain evidence of such registration
in the motor vehicle when the person is providing the
transportation. The Secretary shall not permit the operation in
interstate commerce in the United States of any motor vehicle in
which there is not a copy of the registration issued pursuant to
this section.''.
SEC. 206. DELINQUENT PAYMENT OF PENALTIES.
(a) Revocation of Registration.--Section 13905(c) of title 49,
United States Code, is amended--
(1) by inserting ``(1) In general.--'' before ``On
application'';
(2) by inserting ``(A)'' before ``suspend'';
(3) by striking the period at the end of the second sentence
and inserting ``; and (B) suspend, amend, or revoke any part of
the registration of a motor carrier, broker, or freight
forwarder: (i) for failure to pay a civil penalty imposed under
chapter 5, 51, 149, or 311 of this title; or (ii) for failure to
arrange and abide by an acceptable payment plan for such civil
penalty, within 90 days of the time specified by order of the
Secretary for the payment of such penalty. Subparagraph (B)
shall not apply to any person who is unable to pay a civil
penalty because such person is a debtor in a case under chapter
11 of title 11, United States Code.
``(2) Regulations.--Not <<NOTE: Deadline.>> later than 12
months after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the
Secretary, after notice and opportunity for public comment,
shall issue regulations to provide for the suspension,
amendment, or revocation of a registration under this part for
failure to pay a civil penalty as provided in paragraph
(1)(B).''; and
(4) by indenting paragraph (1) (as designated by paragraph
(1) of this section) and aligning such paragraph with paragraph
(2) of such section (as added by paragraph (3) of this section).
(b) Prohibited Transportation by Commercial Motor Vehicle
Operators.--Section 521(b) of such title is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (8) through (13) as
paragraphs (9) through (14), respectively; and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) Prohibition on operation in interstate commerce after
nonpayment of penalties.--
``(A) In general.--An owner or operator of a
commercial motor vehicle against whom a civil penalty is
assessed under this chapter or chapter 51, 149, or 311
of this title and who does not pay such penalty or fails
to arrange and abide by an acceptable payment plan for
such civil penalty may not operate in interstate
commerce beginning on the 91st day after the date
specified by order of the Secretary for payment of such
penalty. This paragraph shall not apply to any person
who is unable to pay a
[[Page 113 STAT. 1764]]
civil penalty because such person is a debtor in a case
under chapter 11 of title 11, United States Code.
``(B) Regulations.--Not <<NOTE: Deadline.>> later
than 12 months after the date of the enactment of this
paragraph, the Secretary, after notice and an
opportunity for public comment, shall issue regulations
setting forth procedures for ordering commercial motor
vehicle owners and operators delinquent in paying civil
penalties to cease operations until payment has been
made.''.
SEC. 207. STATE COOPERATION IN REGISTRATION ENFORCEMENT.
Section 31102(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--
(1) by aligning subparagraph (A) with subparagraph (B) of
such section; and
(2) by striking subparagraph (R) and inserting the
following:
``(R) ensures that the State will cooperate in the
enforcement of registration requirements under section
13902 and financial responsibility requirements under
sections 13906, 31138, and 31139 and regulations issued
thereunder;''.
SEC. 208. IMMINENT HAZARD.
Section 521(b)(5)(B) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``is likely to result in'' and inserting ``substantially
increases the likelihood of ''.
SEC. 209. HOUSEHOLD GOODS AMENDMENTS.
(a) Definition of Household Goods.--Section 13102(10)(A) of title
49, United States Code, is amended by striking ``, including'' and all
that follows through ``dwelling,'' and inserting ``, except such term
does not include property moving from a factory or store, other than
property that the householder has purchased with the intent to use in
his or her dwelling and is transported at the request of, and the
transportation charges are paid to the carrier by, the householder;''.
(b) Arbitration Requirements.--Section 14708(b)(6) of such title is
amended by striking ``$1,000'' each place it appears and inserting
``$5,000''.
(c) Study <<NOTE: 49 USC 14104 note.>> of Enforcement of Consumer
Protection Rules in the Household Goods Moving Industry.--The
Comptroller General shall conduct a study of the effectiveness of the
Department of Transportation's enforcement of household goods consumer
protection rules under title 49, United States Code. The study shall
also include a review of other potential methods of enforcing such
rules, including allowing States to enforce such rules.
SEC. 210. NEW MOTOR CARRIER ENTRANT REQUIREMENTS.
(a) Safety Reviews.--Section 31144 of title 49, United States Code,
is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(c) Safety Reviews of New Operators.--
``(1) <<NOTE: Regulations.>> In general.--The Secretary
shall require, by regulation, each owner and each operator
granted new operating authority, after the date on which section
31148(b) is first implemented, to undergo a safety review within
the first 18 months after the owner or operator, as the case may
be, begins operations under such authority.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1765]]
``(2) Elements.--In the regulations issued pursuant to
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall establish the elements of the
safety review, including basic safety management controls. In
establishing such elements, the Secretary shall consider their
effects on small businesses and shall consider establishing
alternate locations where such reviews may be conducted for the
convenience of small businesses.
``(3) Phase-in of requirement.--The Secretary shall phase in
the requirements of paragraph (1) in a manner that takes into
account the availability of certified motor carrier safety
auditors.
``(4) New entrant authority.--Notwithstanding any other
provision of this title, any new operating authority granted
after the date on which section 31148(b) is first implemented
shall be designated as new entrant authority until the safety
review required by paragraph (1) is completed.''.
(b) Minimum <<NOTE: 49 USC 31144 note.>> Requirements.--The
Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to establish minimum requirements
for applicant motor carriers, including foreign motor carriers, seeking
Federal interstate operating authority to ensure applicant carriers are
knowledgeable about applicable Federal motor carrier safety standards.
As part of that rulemaking, the Secretary shall consider the
establishment of a proficiency examination for applicant motor carriers
as well as other requirements to ensure such applicants understand
applicable safety regulations before being granted operating authority.
SEC. 211. CERTIFICATION OF SAFETY AUDITORS.
(a) In General.--Chapter 311 of title 49, United States Code, is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``Sec. 31148. Certified motor carrier safety auditors
``(a) In <<NOTE: Deadline.>> General.--Not later than 1 year after
the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of
Transportation shall complete a rulemaking to improve training and
provide for the certification of motor carrier safety auditors,
including private contractors, to conduct safety inspection audits and
reviews described in subsection (b).
``(b) Certified <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Inspection Audit Requirement.--
Not later than 1 year after completion of the rulemaking required by
subsection (a), any safety inspection audit or review required by, or
based on the authority of, this chapter or chapter 5, 313, or 315 of
this title and performed after December 31, 2002, shall be conducted
by--
``(1) a motor carrier safety auditor certified under
subsection (a); or
``(2) a Federal or State employee who, on the date of the
enactment of this section, was qualified to perform such an
audit or review.
``(c) Extension.--If the Secretary determines that subsection (b)
cannot be implemented within the 1-year period established by that
subsection and notifies the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives of the determination and
the reasons therefor, the Secretary may extend the deadline for
compliance with subsection (b) by not more than 12 months.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1766]]
``(d) Application With Other Authority.--The Secretary may not
delegate the Secretary's authority to private contractors to issue
ratings or operating authority, and nothing in this section authorizes
any private contractor to issue ratings or operating authority.
``(e) Oversight Responsibility.--The Secretary shall have authority
over any motor carrier safety auditor certified under subsection (a),
including the authority to decertify a motor carrier safety auditor.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--The analysis for such chapter 311 is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``31148. Certified motor carrier safety auditors.''.
SEC. 212. COMMERCIAL VAN RULEMAKING.
Not <<NOTE: Deadline.>> later than 1 year after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete Department of
Transportation's rulemaking, Docket No. FHWA-99-5710, to amend Federal
motor carrier safety regulations to determine which motor carriers
operating commercial motor vehicles designed or used to transport
between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation
shall be covered. At a minimum, the rulemaking shall apply such
regulations to--
(1) commercial vans commonly referred to as ``camionetas'';
and
(2) those commercial vans operating in interstate commerce
outside commercial zones that have been determined to pose
serious safety risks.
In no case should the rulemaking exempt from such regulations all motor
carriers operating commercial vehicles designed or used to transport
between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver) for compensation.
SEC. 213. 24-HOUR STAFFING OF TELEPHONE HOTLINE.
Section 4017 of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century
(49 U.S.C. 31143 note; 112 Stat. 413) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections
(d) and (e), respectively;
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
``(c) Staffing.--The toll-free telephone system shall be staffed 24
hours a day 7 days a week by individuals knowledgeable about Federal
motor carrier safety regulations and procedures.''; and
(3) in subsection (e) (as redesignated by paragraph (1) of
this section)--
(A) by striking ``104(a)'' and inserting
``104(a)(1)(B)''; and
(B) by striking ``for each of fiscal years 1999''
and inserting ``for fiscal year 1999 and $375,000 for
each of fiscal years 2000''.
SEC. 214. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31305 note.>> CDL SCHOOL BUS ENDORSEMENT.
The <<NOTE: Regulations.>> Secretary shall conduct a rulemaking to
establish a special commercial driver's license endorsement for drivers
of school buses. The endorsement shall, at a minimum--
(1) include a driving skills test in a school bus; and
(2) address proper safety procedures for--
(A) loading and unloading children;
(B) using emergency exits; and
(C) traversing highway rail grade crossings.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1767]]
SEC. 215. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31305 note.>> MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.
The <<NOTE: Regulations.>> Secretary shall initiate a rulemaking to
provide for a Federal medical qualification certificate to be made a
part of commercial driver's licenses.
SEC. 216. IMPLEMENTATION OF INSPECTOR GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall implement the safety
improvement recommendations provided for in the Department of
Transportation Inspector General's Report TR-1999-091, except to the
extent that such recommendations are specifically addressed in sections
206, 208, 217, and 222 of this Act, including any amendments made by
such sections.
(b) Reports to Congress.--
(1) Reports <<NOTE: Deadline.>> by the secretary.--Not
later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act,
and every 90 days thereafter until each of the recommendations
referred to in subsection (a) has been implemented, the
Secretary shall transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives a report on the specific actions taken to
implement such recommendations.
(2) Reports by the inspector general.--The Inspector General
shall periodically transmit to the committees referred to in
paragraph (1) a report assessing the Secretary's progress in
implementing the recommendations referred to in subsection (a)
and analyzing the number of violations cited by safety
inspectors and the level of fines assessed and collected for
such violations, and of the number of cases in which there are
findings of extraordinary circumstances under section 222(c) of
this Act and the circumstances in which these findings are made.
SEC. 217. PERIODIC REFILING OF MOTOR CARRIER IDENTIFICATION REPORTS.
The Secretary shall amend section 385.21 of the Department of
Transportation's regulations (49 CFR 385.21) to require periodic
updating, not more frequently than once every 2 years, of the motor
carrier identification report, form MCS-150, filed by each motor carrier
conducting operations in interstate or foreign
commerce. <<NOTE: Deadline.>> The initial update shall occur not later
than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
SEC. 218. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31133 note.>> BORDER STAFFING STANDARDS.
(a) Development <<NOTE: Deadline.>> and Implementation.--Not later
than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary
shall develop and implement appropriate staffing standards for Federal
and State motor carrier safety inspectors in international border areas.
(b) Factors To Be Considered.--In developing standards under
subsection (a), the Secretary shall consider volume of traffic, hours of
operation of the border facility, types of commercial motor vehicles,
types of cargo, delineation of responsibility between Federal and State
inspectors, and such other factors as the Secretary determines
appropriate.
(c) Maintenance of Effort.--The standards developed and implemented
under subsection (a) shall ensure that the United
[[Page 113 STAT. 1768]]
States and each State will not reduce its respective level of staffing
of motor carrier safety inspectors in international border areas from
its average level staffing for fiscal year 2000.
(d) Border Commercial Motor Vehicle and Safety Enforcement
Programs.--
(1) Enforcement.--If, on October 1, 2001, and October 1 of
each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary has not ensured that
the levels of staffing required by the standards developed under
subsection (a) are deployed, the Secretary should designate the
amount made available for allocation under section 31104(f
)(2)(B) of title 49, United States Code, for such fiscal year
for States, local governments, and other persons for carrying
out border commercial motor vehicle safety programs and
enforcement activities and projects.
(2) Allocation.--If the Secretary makes a designation of an
amount under paragraph (1), such amount shall be allocated by
the Secretary to State agencies, local governments, and other
persons that use and train qualified officers and employees in
coordination with State motor vehicle safety agencies.
(3) Limitation.--If the Secretary makes a designation
pursuant to paragraph (1) for a fiscal year, the Secretary may
not make a designation under section 31104(f )(2)(B) of title
49, United States Code, for such fiscal year.
SEC. 219. <<NOTE: 49 USC 14901 note.>> FOREIGN MOTOR CARRIER PENALTIES
AND DISQUALIFICATIONS.
(a) General Rule.--Subject to subsections (b) and (c), a foreign
motor carrier or foreign motor private carrier (as such terms are
defined under section 13102 of title 49, United States Code) that
operates without authority, before the implementation of the land
transportation provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement,
outside the boundaries of a commercial zone along the United States-
Mexico border shall be liable to the United States for a civil penalty
and shall be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle
anywhere within the United States as provided in subsections (b) and
(c).
(b) Penalty for Intentional Violation.--The civil penalty for an
intentional violation of subsection (a) by a carrier shall not be more
than $10,000 and may include a disqualification from operating a
commercial motor vehicle anywhere within the United States for a period
of not more than 6 months.
(c) Penalty for Pattern of Intentional Violations.--The civil
penalty for a pattern of intentional violations of subsection (a) by a
carrier shall not be more than $25,000 and the carrier shall be
disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle anywhere within
the United States and the disqualification may be permanent.
(d) Leasing.--Before the implementation of the land transportation
provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement, during any period
in which a suspension, condition, restriction, or limitation imposed
under section 13902(c) of title 49, United States Code, applies to a
motor carrier (as defined in section 13902(e) of such title), that motor
carrier may not lease a commercial motor vehicle to another motor
carrier or a motor private carrier to transport property in the United
States.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1769]]
(e) Savings Clause.--No provision of this section may be enforced if
it is inconsistent with any international agreement of the United
States.
(f ) Acts of Employees.--The actions of any employee driver of a
foreign motor carrier or foreign motor private carrier committed without
the knowledge of the carrier or committed unintentionally shall not be
grounds for penalty or disqualification under this section.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31131 note.>> 220. TRAFFIC LAW INITIATIVE.
(a) In General.--In cooperation with one or more States, the
Secretary may carry out a program to develop innovative methods of
improving motor carrier compliance with traffic laws. Such methods may
include the use of photography and other imaging technologies.
(b) Report.--The Secretary shall transmit to Congress a report on
the results of any program conducted under this section, together with
any recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31311 note.>> 221. STATE-TO-STATE NOTIFICATION OF
VIOLATIONS DATA.
(a) Development.--In cooperation with the States, the Secretary
shall develop a uniform system to support the electronic transmission of
data State-to-State on convictions for all motor vehicle traffic control
law violations by individuals possessing a commercial drivers' licenses
as required by paragraphs (9) and (19) of section 31311(a) of title 49,
United States Code.
(b) Status <<NOTE: Deadline.>> Report.--Not later than 2 years
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall
transmit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of
the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the
House of Representatives a report on the status of the implementation of
this section.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 521 note.>> 222. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM ASSESSMENTS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary of Transportation should ensure that
motor carriers operate safely by imposing civil penalties at a level
calculated to ensure prompt and sustained compliance with Federal motor
carrier safety and commercial driver's license laws.
(b) Establishment.--The Secretary--
(1) should establish and assess minimum civil penalties for
each violation of a law referred to in subsection (a); and
(2) shall assess the maximum civil penalty for each
violation of a law referred to in subsection (a) by any person
who is found to have committed a pattern of violations of
critical or acute regulations issued to carry out such a law or
to have previously committed the same or a related violation of
critical or acute regulations issued to carry out such a law.
(c) Extraordinary Circumstances.--If the Secretary determines and
documents that extraordinary circumstances exist which merit the
assessment of any civil penalty lower than any level established under
subsection (b), the Secretary may assess such lower penalty. In cases
where a person has been found to have previously committed the same or a
related violation of critical or acute regulations issued to carry out a
law referred to in subsection (a), extraordinary circumstances may be
found to exist when the Secretary determines that repetition of such
violation does not demonstrate a failure to take appropriate remedial
action.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1770]]
(d) Report to Congress.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of the
effectiveness of the revised civil penalties established in the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and this Act in
ensuring prompt and sustained compliance with Federal motor
carrier safety and commercial driver's license laws.
(2) Submission to congress.--The Secretary shall transmit
the results of such study and any recommendations to Congress by
September 30, 2002.
SEC. 223. MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY PROGRESS REPORT.
Not later than May 25, 2000, the Secretary shall transmit to the
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives a status report on the Department of Transportation's
quantitative progress toward reducing motor carrier fatalities by 50
percent by the year 2009.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31100 note.>> 224. STUDY OF COMMERCIAL MOTOR
VEHICLE CRASH CAUSATION.
(a) Objectives.--The Secretary shall conduct a comprehensive study
to determine the causes of, and contributing factors to, crashes that
involve commercial motor vehicles. The study shall also identify data
requirements and collection procedures, reports, and other measures that
will improve the Department of Transportation's and States' ability to--
(1) evaluate future crashes involving commercial motor
vehicles;
(2) monitor crash trends and identify causes and
contributing factors; and
(3) develop effective safety improvement policies and
programs.
(b) Design.--The study shall be designed to yield information that
will help the Department and the States identify activities and other
measures likely to lead to significant reductions in the frequency,
severity, and rate per mile traveled of crashes involving commercial
motor vehicles, including vehicles described in section 31132(1)(B) of
title 49, United States Code. As practicable, the study shall rank such
activities and measures by the reductions each would likely achieve, if
implemented.
(c) Consultation.--In designing and conducting the study, the
Secretary shall consult with persons with expertise on--
(1) crash causation and prevention;
(2) commercial motor vehicles, drivers, and carriers,
including passenger carriers;
(3) highways and noncommercial motor vehicles and drivers;
(4) Federal and State highway and motor carrier safety
programs;
(5) research methods and statistical analysis; and
(6) other relevant topics.
(d) Public Comment.--The Secretary shall make available for public
comment information about the objectives, methodology, implementation,
findings, and other aspects of the study.
(e) Reports.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall promptly transmit to
Congress the results of the study, together with any legislative
recommendations.
[[Page 113 STAT. 1771]]
(2) Review and update.--The Secretary shall review the study
at least once every 5 years and update the study and report as
necessary.
(f ) Funding.--Of the amounts made available for each of fiscal
years 2001, 2002, and 2003 under section 4003(i) of the Transportation
Equity Act for the 21st Century (112 Stat. 395-398), as added by section
103(b)(1) of this Act, $5,000,000 per fiscal year shall be available
only to carry out this section.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31100 note.>> 225. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS.
(a) In General.--In cooperation with the States, the Secretary shall
carry out a program to improve the collection and analysis of data on
crashes, including crash causation, involving commercial motor vehicles.
(b) Program Administration.--The Secretary shall administer the
program through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in
cooperation with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shall--
(1) enter <<NOTE: Contracts.>> into agreements with the
States to collect data and report the data by electronic means
to a central data repository; and
(2) train State employees and motor carrier safety
enforcement officials to assure the quality and uniformity of
the data.
(c) Use of Data.--The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
shall--
(1) integrate the data, including driver citation and
conviction information; and
(2) make the data base available electronically to the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the States, motor
carriers, and other interested parties for problem
identification, program evaluation, planning, and other safety-
related activities.
(d) Report.--Not <<NOTE: Deadline.>> later than 3 years after the
date on which the improved data program begins, the Secretary shall
transmit a report to Congress on the program, together with any
recommendations the Secretary finds appropriate.
(e) Funding.--Of the amounts deducted under section 104(a)(1)(B) of
title 23, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, and
2003 $5,000,000 per fiscal year shall be available only to carry out
this section.
(f ) Additional Funding for Information Systems.--
(1) In general.--Of the amounts made available for each of
fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003 under section 4003(i) of the
Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (112 Stat. 395-
398), as added by section 103(b)(1) of this Act, $5,000,000 per
fiscal year shall be available only to carry out section 31106
of title 49, United States Code.
(2) Amounts as additional.--The amounts made available by
paragraph (1) shall be in addition to amounts made available
under section 31107 of title 49, United States Code.
SEC. <<NOTE: 49 USC 31306 note.>> 226. DRUG TEST RESULTS STUDY.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall conduct a study of the
feasibility and merits of--
(1) requiring medical review officers or employers to report
all verified positive controlled substances test results on any
driver subject to controlled substances testing under part 382
[[Page 113 STAT. 1772]]
of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, including the identity
of each person tested and each controlled substance found, to
the State that issued the driver's commercial driver's license;
and
(2) requiring all prospective employers, before hiring any
driver, to query the State that issued the driver's commercial
driver's license on whether the State has on record any verified
positive controlled substances test on such driver.
(b) Study Factors.--In carrying out the study under this section,
the Secretary shall assess--
(1) methods for safeguarding the confidentiality of verified
positive controlled substances test results;
(2) the costs, benefits, and safety impacts of requiring
States to maintain records of verified positive controlled
substances test results; and
(3) whether a process should be established to allow
drivers--
(A) to correct errors in their records; and
(B) to expunge information from their records after
a reasonable period of time.
(c) Report.--Not <<NOTE: Deadline.>> later than 2 years after the
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to
Congress a report on the study carried out under this section, together
with such recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate.
SEC. 227. APPROVAL OF AGREEMENTS.
(a) Review.--Section 13703(c) of title 49, United States Code, is
amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as
subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;
(2) by striking ``The Board'' and inserting the following:
``(1) In general.--The Board'';
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Periodic review of approvals.--Subject to this
section, in the 5-year period beginning on the date of the
enactment of this paragraph and in each 5-year period
thereafter, the Board shall initiate a proceeding to review any
agreement approved pursuant to this section. Any such agreement
shall be continued unless the Board determines otherwise.''; and
(4) by moving the remainder of the text of paragraph (1) (as
designated by paragraph (2) of this subsection), including
subparagraphs (A) through (D) (as designated by paragraph (1) of
this subsection), 2 ems to the right.
(b) Limitation.--Section 13703(d) of such title is amended to read
as follows:
``(d) Limitation.--The Board shall not take any action that would
permit the establishment of nationwide collective ratemaking
authority.''.
(c) Existing Agreements.--Section 13703(e) of such title is
amended--
(1) by striking ``Agreements'' and inserting the following:
``(1) Agreements existing as of december 31, 1995.--
Agreements'';
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Cases pending as of date of the enactment.--Nothing in
section 227 (other than subsection (b)) of the Motor
[[Page 113 STAT. 1773]]
Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999, including the amendments
made by such section, shall be construed to affect any case
brought under this section that is pending before the Board as
of the date of the enactment of this paragraph.''; and
(3) by aligning the left margin of paragraph (1) (as
designated by paragraph (1) of this subsection) with paragraph
(2) (as added by paragraph (2) of this subsection).
SEC. <<NOTE: 5 USC app.>> 228. DOT AUTHORITY.
(a) In General.--The statutory authority of the Inspector General of
the Department of Transportation includes authority to conduct, pursuant
to Federal criminal statutes, investigations of allegations that a
person or entity has engaged in fraudulent or other criminal activity
relating to the programs and operations of the Department or its
operating administrations.
(b) Regulated Entities.--The authority to conduct investigations
referred to in subsection (a) extends to any person or entity subject to
the laws and regulations of the Department or its operating
administrations, whether or not they are recipients of funds from the
Department or its operating administrations.
Approved December 9, 1999.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY--H.R. 3419:
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CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 145 (1999):
Nov. 18, considered and passed House.
Nov. 19, considered and passed Senate.
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