A bill to require all new applicants and persons renewing a CDL to undergo a state and national criminal history background check of state and federal wanted or "hot file" records passed the Kentucky Senate Thursday.

Rep. Mike Weaver (D-Elizabethtown), sponsor of HB189, said it would strengthen control over who could drive a commercial truck. The bill also would set more stringent guidelines for issuing commercial licenses to non-Kentucky residents.

HB189 had its third reading Thursday on the Senate floor. Amendments one, three and four were withdrawn, floor amendment two was rejected and the bill passed 33-3. It now heads to Gov. Paul Patton for signature.

Also passed by the Senate is HB190, a companion bill that would set stricter standards for the education and training required before an applicant is tested for a CDL. Under that bill, trucking school students would need 160 hours of training. HB190 now returns to the House for agreement on two Senate amendments before heading to the governor.