Georgia HB944: Motor vehicles; federal regulations regarding safe operation of commercial motor carriers and commercial vehicles; update reference date

What the bill says

To amend Code Section 40-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to safe operations of motor carriers, commercial motor vehicles, and drivers and safe transportation of hazardous materials, so as to update the reference date to federal regulations regarding the safe operation of motor carriers and commercial motor vehicles; to revise a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Code Section 40-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to safe operations of motor carriers, commercial motor vehicles, and drivers and safe transportation of hazardous materials, so as to update the reference date to federal regulations regarding the safe operation of motor carriers and commercial motor vehicles; to revise a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Code Section 40-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to safe operations of motor carriers, commercial motor vehicles, and drivers and safe transportation of hazardous materials, is amended by revising subsection (a) as follows: "(a) As used in this Code section, the term: (1) 'Commissioner' means the commissioner of public safety. (2) 'Department' means the Department of Public Safety. (3) 'Present regulations' means the regulations promulgated under 49 C.F.R. in force and effect on January 1, 20252026." H. B. LC 39 4841/AP SECTION 2. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. H. B.

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Timothy Bearden (R, 30) · primary sponsor
• McDonald III, Lauren (R) · primary sponsor
• Clinton Crowe (R, 118)
• Bill Hitchens (R, 161)
• Eddie Lumsden (R, 12)

Latest actions

1. July 1, 2026: Effective Date
2. May 6, 2026: Act 420
3. May 6, 2026: House Date Signed by Governor
4. April 6, 2026: House Sent to Governor
5. March 23, 2026: Senate Passed/Adopted
6. March 23, 2026: Senate Third Read
7. March 20, 2026: Senate Read Second Time
8. March 19, 2026: Senate Committee Favorably Reported
9. February 11, 2026: Senate Read and Referred
10. February 10, 2026: House Passed/Adopted

Votes

• Senate Vote #786 (March 23, 2026): 50 yea, 0 nay, passed
• House Vote #494 (February 10, 2026): 162 yea, 4 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB944?

HB944 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Motor vehicles; federal regulations regarding safe operation of commercial motor carriers and commercial vehicles; update reference date.

What does HB944 do?

In its own words: To amend Code Section 40-1-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to safe operations of motor carriers, commercial motor vehicles, and drivers and safe transportation of hazardous materials, so as to update the reference date to federal regulations regarding the safe operation of motor carriers and commercial motor vehicles; to revise a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HB944?

Signed into law as of May 6, 2026. Latest action: Effective Date (July 1, 2026).

Who sponsored HB944?

Timothy Bearden (R, 30), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB944?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72142