SF481

Purpose

This bill adds a new rule to Minnesota law to enhance safety by removing from service drivers who use a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to commit serious crimes. Specifically, it creates a lifelong ban on operating a CMV for people who commit certain felonies using a CMV.

Main Provisions

• Adds Subdivision 2a to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 171.165.
• Establishes a lifetime disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle for a person who uses a CMV to commit:
  • Felony involving manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance, or possession with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a controlled substance, under chapter 152.
  • Felony involving forced or coerced labor or human trafficking-related offenses, under sections 609.281 subdivision 4, 609.282, or 609.322 subdivision 1 or 1a.
• The disqualification is permanent (for life) from operating a CMV in Minnesota.

What Changes This Brings to Existing Law

• Creates a new lifelong disqualification category (Subd 2a) for CMV operators who commit specified serious offenses using a CMV.
• Expands the consequences for certain drug-related or human-trafficking offenses when a CMV is involved, moving from potentially temporary penalties to a permanent ban on CMV operation.

Practical Impact

• People who drive CMVs (like trucks or buses) and who use those vehicles to commit the listed offenses would be ineligible to drive CMVs for life in Minnesota.
• This change targets high-risk behavior by tying the use of a CMV in the commission of serious crimes to a lifelong driving ban, potentially affecting employment and licensing for affected individuals.

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Relevant Terms commercial motor vehicle CMV life disqualification / disqualify for life Felony manufacture distribution dispensing controlled substance Chapter 152 possession with intent to manufacture distribute or dispense forced or coerced labor human trafficking 609281 609282 609322 Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 171.165 Subdivision 2a