CVISN Team Surveys Jurisdictions 
The Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) Driver Information Sharing ad hoc team is conducting a survey to better understand different stakeholder groups' business needs for information about commercial drivers and to clarify access constraints and need-to-know. If you have not already done so, please respond to this survey by March 31. Background information about
this survey has been made available on AAMVA’s Web site.
AAMVA Needs Your Input
The Technology Standards and Programs department at AAMVA is requesting that jurisdictions provide information regarding the use of the ANSI D20. Please respond to this
brief survey. Contact Member and Conference Services if you need a user ID and password.
Online Insurance Verification Information Now Available
Jurisdictions have been interested in exploring how online insurance verification may be conducted via the Web. AAMVA’s former Financial Responsibility and Insurance (FRI) Committee worked with the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration (IICMVA) to determine how such a system could be structured.
Information is now available showing how jurisdictions might implement an Online Insurance Verification system in a uniform manner, along with the findings of the FRI Committee regarding the impact and potential benefits of such a system.
Agreement Reached on Identity Theft Bill
House Energy and Commerce leaders have reached a bipartisan agreement to mark up a bill (H.R. 4127) which is designed to curb identity theft. The committee will consider a measure that changes the threshold for triggering reporting requirements from “significant risk of identity theft” to “reasonable risk of identity theft to the individual to whom the personal information relates, fraud or other unlawful conduct.” It also includes a narrower definition of data brokers. The Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection approved the bill in November, and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved an identical version (S. 1408) in July.
FMCSA Announces Grant Funding
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced the availability of grant funding authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) provides assistance to states to reduce the number and severity of crashes and hazardous materials incidents involving commercial motor vehicles. The authorized level of funding for MCSAP is $188,000,000 for FY2006, which includes up to $15,000,000 for High Priority grants and up to $29,000,000 for New Entrant Safety Audits grants. Funding is subject to reductions resulting from obligation limitations or rescissions as specified in SAFETEA-LU or other legislation. Applications for Basic/Incentive grant funding should be sent to the FMCSA Division Office in the state where the applicant is located no later than August 1 of each year. Applications for FY2006 High Priority grant funds or New Entrant Safety Audit funds must be submitted to the FMCSA Division Office in the State where the applicant is located no later than April 28, 2006. For more information, contact Michael J. Lamm, Office of Safety Programs, State Programs Division, (202) 366-6830, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 20590.
DOT Offers Grant Funding for Transportation Solutions
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is offering close to $1 million in grant funding for development of research and technology solutions to transportation challenges facing the nation. The Small Business Innovative Research program provides funding to small businesses that can develop commercially-viable technologies focused on safer, simpler and smarter transportation solutions. DOT is one of 11 federal agencies that provides funds to the entrepreneurial sector for innovative proposals. Research proposals from U.S.-owned businesses of no more than 500 employees are due by May 2, 2006. Grant awards will be made in October.
Solicitation topics and materials can be found and downloaded online.
Under Secretary of Management Resigns from DHS
Janet Hale has announced her resignation as Under Secretary for Management at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) effective in early May. At the agency, Hale has led the merger of core management and budget functions of 22 district components into a unified structure. She has contributed to the department's fully integrated information technology architecture, financial management structure with accountability, and strategic procurement programs.
NHTSA Seeks Comments on Information Collection
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced an information request that has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget for review and comment. Comments must be submitted on or before April 9, 2006. Send comments, within 30 days, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725-17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention NHTSA Desk Officer. The purpose of the NDR is to assist states and other authorized users in obtaining information about problem drivers. State motor vehicle agencies submit and use the information for driver licensing purposes. Other users obtain the information for transportation safety purposes.
FMCSA Gives Notice of Informal Hearing Process
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has given notice of an informal hearing implementation process, a new alternative for motor carriers. It will be implemented in two phases, allowing FMCSA to evaluate and refine how the process is conducted. During the first phase of implementation, FMCSA will only consider requests for an informal hearing from respondents with a principal place of business within the FMCSA Midwest Service Center’s geographical area. The second phase, nationwide implementation, will begin within one year of the effective date of the Rules of Practice for Motor Carrier, Broker, Freight Forwarder, and Hazardous Materials Proceedings. FMCSA will publish a notice of its nationwide implementation in the Federal Register. FMCSA will consider any request for an informal hearing received by FMCSA before the publication date of this notice during the first phase of implementation, regardless of the location of respondent’s principal place of business. When an informal hearing request is granted, the hearing officer will provide written information to each respondent about the procedures that will govern the hearing. The first phase will begin on March 17, 2006 and will end Sept. 18, 2006. The second phase will begin by Nov. 14, 2006.
FHWA Seeks Comments on Information Collection Extension
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has requested an extension of currently approved information collection on the enforcement certification of vehicle size and weight laws. Comments are due by April 21, 2006. You may send comments, within 30 days, to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, Attention DOT Desk Officer. Respondents are asked to comment on any aspect of this information collection, including: (1) Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the FHWA’s performance; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways for the FHWA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information and (4) ways that the burden could be minimized, including the use of electronic technology, without reducing the quality of the collected information. All comments should include the Docket number FHWA-2006-23551.
Share Information with Other Jurisdictions
If you haven't already done so, please respond to the following surveys. Please contact Member and Conference Services if you need a user ID and password.