(j) (1) Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 16A, § 6A of the Code, the
Governor may delegate the power to declare a utility or transportation emergency to
the Secretary or the Secretary's designee.

(2) The Secretary or the Secretary's designee may declare a utility or
transportation emergency.

(i) During the time in which a declared utility or transportation
emergency exists, the Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall waive the maximum
hours-of-service time limits contained in this section, or in regulations promulgated
pursuant thereto for all interstate and intrastate drivers providing direct assistance
in restoring utility services affected by a utility emergency.

(ii) This waiver shall include the hours of duty status accrued by,
and shall apply only to, drivers providing direct assistance in restoring utility services
affected by a utility emergency in the State, or to drivers of emergency vehicles
operated under the direction of State and local governments or their agents when
providing direct assistance in clearing and opening State highways and local streets
and roads to allow free flow of traffic.

(3) (i) All declarations issued under this section shall indicate the
nature of the utility or transportation emergency, the area or areas threatened, and
the conditions which have brought it about.

(ii) A declaration shall be disseminated by a means calculated to
bring its contents to the attention of the general public, in the areas affected by the
declaration.

(4) Within 10 days of the issuance of any declaration issued under this
section, the Secretary or the Secretary's designee shall notify the Governor of the
nature of the declaration.

(5) A utility or transportation emergency declared by the Secretary or
the Secretary's designee may not extend for more than 3 days, unless renewed by the
Governor pursuant to § 6A of Article 16A of the Code.

(k) For the purposes of subsection (i) of this section, the Administration shall
adopt regulations requiring physical examinations for intrastate commercial motor
vehicle drivers.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take
effect October 1, 1999.

Approved April 13, 1999.