Governor Andy Beshear recently signed a package of five bills that will help spur workforce development in Kentucky. These legislative measures are designed to attract more truckers from out-of-state while at the same time providing support for health care workers, military families and students looking to pursue their education or career goals. The plan is sure to bring new job opportunities into the state.
“For the first time in my lifetime, some of the biggest, most advanced companies on the planet are picking us for the biggest investments they’ve ever made. Our small businesses are also thriving and growing,” Beshear remarked, adding that he is enacting the laws to bolster workforce development and the state’s economy.
Governor Beshear is taking steps to help Kentucky become a more attractive destination for truck drivers by signing House Bill 320. This act enables commercial driver license applicants who possess nonresident operator’s licenses and CDL instruction permits the opportunity to take their skills test in-state.
He noted the CDL legislation “shows we are interested in attracting more of these jobs to Kentucky and supporting the trucking industry.”
The new law created a non-resident CDL testing fee of $150 and requires that applicants be in compliance with all necessary federal requirements.
Rep. Chris Freeland’s (R) CDL bill received an overwhelming endorsement from the Kentucky General Assembly during its regular session this March, passing unanimously in both chambers before being signed into law by Governor Andy Beshear on March 22nd.
According to the May 2021 U.S. Census, Kentucky has placed among the nation’s most impressive states in terms of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers employed: a total of 28,260 workers fall within that category – placing them at second tier out of all 50 states! While some excelled with up to 202K+ active employees working as professional truckers, Kentucky was an admirable runner-up boasting 25K+.
Source: Transport Topics
