A pending bill in the state Legislature would prevent diabetic commercial drivers who effectively manage their symptoms from losing their licenses due to accidents unrelated to their diabetes in privately owned vehicles.
The bill, authored by state Sen. Dale Schultz, R-Richland Center, and Rep. David Murphy, R-Greenville, aims to impart equality and fairness, according to Schultz.
“It’s about ending discrimination against our fellow Wisconsinites who courageously battle against a disease that has no known cure,” Schultz said in a statement.
Under current law, the Department of Transportation may issue commercial drivers licenses to individuals who have their diabetes under control, as determined by two licensed physicians.
If an individual has an accident within three years of receiving the license, the DOT could find the driver ineligible and revoke the license.
The bill only applies to those who operate on Wisconsin highways.
The Senate’s Committee on Transportation, Public Safety, and Veterans and Military Affairs will vote on the bill next week.
