Special to the American Press

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles has been awarded $7,749,805 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration  hrough two Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation  grants. The funding will help combat human trafficking and improve OMV’s CDL programs by ensuring conviction and disqualification data is electronically exchanged, implementing FMCSA rulemaking requirements, and achieving compliance with Federal regulations regarding driver’s license standards and programs.

FMCSA is awarding more than $55 million to states and other entities to operate national CDL programs through the CDLPI grant. The grant seeks to improve highway safety by supporting CDL programs on a state and national level by ensuring that each driver has only one driving record and only one licensing document – “One Driver. One License. One Record.” “This essential funding provided through the CDLPI grant program will improve the process of obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) by ensuring only qualified drivers can receive a CDL to operate commercial motor vehicles on the nation’s roadways,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Vinn White.

In addition to improving CDL programs, OMV will utilize funds to increase awareness of human trafficking among CDL drivers in Louisiana and encourage drivers to report suspicions of human trafficking to the national hotline by calling (888) 373-7888 or texting “HELP” to BEFREE (233733). OMV’s human trafficking campaign will reach over one billion motorists in Louisiana through paid media, a standalone website, and printed materials.           

“Truckers are uniquely positioned to identify human trafficking on our roadways. This funding will bolster our human trafficking education and awareness efforts and give truckers the tools they need to better identify the crime. I am grateful for the leadership of OMV Commissioner Dan Casey. This award provides yet another example of how Louisiana is thinking outside the box to address and drive down crime in our communities,” Gov. Jeff Landry said.

 In 2023, 1,743 confirmed, suspected, and unknown victims of human trafficking received services in Louisiana. Motorists are the eyes and ears of the roadways. Increased awareness and training have led to a rise in reported cases, proving that vigilance and education are key in fighting this crime.

 If trafficking is suspected, remember as many details as possible and never approach traffickers. If you see a crime in progress, call 911 first. “Louisiana remains a leader in anti-trafficking response. The funding will allow us to target awareness and education to transportation industry professionals and identify more victims in the process. The Office of Human Trafficking Prevention is proud to support these efforts by OMV,” said Monica Taylor, Director of the Office of Human Trafficking.