Inmates allowed to obtain CDL while incarcerated under proposed bill

Inmates with two or less years left on their sentence would be able to obtain their commercial drivers license while incarcerated under a proposed bill. 

House Bill 325 proposes that nonviolent inmates would qualify for the program, which could help  

With both the truck driver shortage and the individual’s potential to commit crimes once released. 

“A CDL offers a pathway to long-term employment in a high-demand industry, increasing the likelihood of inmates transitioning successfully to life outside prison – and while filling those 15,000 CDL drivers our state needs. Ultimately, by investing in the future of those nearing release, we can create a more productive and self-sufficient society, reducing repeat offenders and supporting families in the process, Florida Representative Kim Kendall said of the proposal, reported ABC 25.

Supporters of the bill within the trucking industry say that the idea could have some benefits, but selecting reputable CDL schools to participate in the program is crucial to its success. 

 “Not all CDL training is the same. There are obviously inconsistent providers out there. It’s important to have a quality provider and program that leads directly into employment, not just passing a license. That’s critical because you can pass a license and then not be job-ready, necessarily,” said one trucking school CEO in South Florida. 

“[We’ve been] busy for sure,” he continued. “The issues with the English language restrictions, the non-domicile issues, the suspension of a lot of drivers took out a lot of existing drivers that shouldn’t have been there out of the market. That means there is open seats for new drivers that go through the process legitimately.”

While the bill bans violent offenders from participating, there are some questions surrounding other offenses that would otherwise ban a non incarcerated person from being hired at some trucking companies. 

“It’s an employer decision; a general rule is that no DUIs in the last 3 to 5 years. Would they consider?” the trucking school CEO continued. “If you had one maybe 10 years ago and you’ve had a safe driving record since…a lot of companies because of the driver demand, we’ll take a look at the person in totality… Certainly, loss of property or death with a motor vehicle would probably be an initial red flag. It wouldn’t be necessarily a hard no. We would make sure we articulated it with the employers that were willing to take a look at the person.”