HF 2437

as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to drivers' licenses; requiring study of driver's license vision-screening
standards.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. new text begin DRIVERS' LICENSE VISION-SCREENING STUDY.
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new text begin (a) The commissioner of public safety shall conduct a study on visual acuity
examinations, requirements, and standards for issuance of a driver's license or permit.
The study must include:
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new text begin (1) analysis and review of current findings from medical research literature and
recommendations from the medical community on visual acuity examinations for a
driver's license or permit;
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new text begin (2) evaluation of alternative options for visual acuity examinations, including but not
limited to (i) alternatives or additions to the Snellen examination procedure for measuring
visual acuity, including but not limited to special road examinations and examinations of
peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, judgment of distance, or useful field of view, (ii)
recommended best practices, and (iii) efficacy of alternative options in assuring public
safety, including costs and potential safety benefits;
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new text begin (3) comparison of visual acuity examinations, requirements, and standards in
Minnesota with those of other states, and an analysis of relevant trends in other states;
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new text begin (4) evaluation of current visual acuity examinations, requirements, and standards in
Minnesota, including but not limited to current visual acuity requirements and the process
of appeal and medical review by the department of public safety; and
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new text begin (5) recommendations for any changes to current law and practices on visual acuity
examinations, requirements, and standards.
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new text begin (b) The commissioner shall submit a report on the results of the study by February
1, 2008, to the chairs and ranking minority members of the house of representatives and
senate committees with jurisdiction over transportation finance and policy.
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new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective the day after final enactment.
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