A Bill was introduced last month in the Arkansas State Legislature that, if passed, would ban truck drivers with a B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 combination visa from operating a commercial vehicle in Arkansas. Among other things, it also cites that Canadian commercial driver’s licence reciprocity would no longer be recognized under the provisions of the bill.
Information about this proposed Bill has been making its way through trade publications and causing concern for Canadian-based carriers and truck drivers.
Below is a status update on the issue:
- The bill and its aims are generally opposed by the American trucking industry and industry associations. It is being pushed by a small fringe group. Their argument for the necessity of the proposed bill is based on a very flawed data analysis.
- The Bill has been referred to House Committee on Public Transportation. There are no timeframes on when the Committee will discuss the issue next, and it is not expected to move any further.
- It is extremely unlikely the Bill will pass.
CTA will keep the membership informed as additional information becomes available,