FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Senate voted Thursday to impose stricter licensing requirements for people wishing to drive commercial trucks, a reaction to last year's terrorist attacks.

        Applicants for commercial driver's licenses would have to pass national and state criminal background checks.

        The bill also would set more stringent guidelines for issuing commercial licenses to non-Kentucky residents.

        Sen. Dan Seum, R-Louisville, said a review of the commercial licensing requirements showed the system was “in pretty bad shape.”

        The bill, which originated in the House, passed the Senate 33-3. It now heads to Gov. Paul Patton.

        The bill's lead sponsor, Rep. Mike Weaver, said it would tighten control over who drives commercial trucks, an adjustment in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.

        “We found when investigating the system just about anyone who wanted a commercial driver's license could get one,” Mr. Weaver, D-Elizabethtown, said in an interview.

        The Senate passed a companion bill that would set stricter standards for the education and training required before an applicant is tested for a commercial license.

        Under that bill, trucking school students would need 160 hours of training. The state's Community and Technical College System would help set guidelines.

        The bill also would change who administers tests for commercial licenses.

        Currently, instructors at some commercial training programs administer the tests.

        That responsibility would be shifted to the Community and Technical College System if the bill becomes law.

        Also, instructors at commercial driving training schools would have to pass background checks.

        The bill, also sponsored by Mr. Weaver, passed 36-0 and returns to the House for consideration of a Senate change.

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