It's a Team's Life

Review Federal Legislation 2023

Both houses of congress have been busy this year introducing legislation that could or will affect us as owner operators, drivers, fleet owners and those in the supply chain industry.  We will go back thru each bill that was introduced and give an update of where it is in the process.

January:

Introduced in the US House by Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) and Jim Costa (D-California) on January 24, 2023.  The Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act.

Currently it is:  As of February 1, 2023 it has been Referred to the Subcommittee on Highway and Transit.

This legislation brought a lot of interest from the readers of our blogs.  Well as you can see it have not moved much as all if any.

Follow this legislation here H.R. 471:  H.R. 471

There have been two other bills have been tagged as related:

         1.  H.R. 2450 - This bill allows certain licensed commercial truck drivers a $7,500 tax credit in a taxable year. The adjusted gross income of such drivers may not exceed $90,000 ($135,000 in the case of a joint tax return and $112,500 for heads of household). Such drivers must have driven a truck in a trade or business for a specified number of hours in a taxable year.  It was introduced by the Congressional Research Service (CRS).  Last action is Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.

              H.R. 2450:  H.R. 2450

          2.  H.R. 3013 - This Act may be cited as the “Licensing Individual Commercial Exam-takers Now Safely and Efficiently Act of 2023” or the “LICENSE Act of 2023”.  This will maintain the CDL examiner hold a valid CDL examiner certificate, complete CDL skills training course and complete 1 unit of continuing education. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) and has seven cosponsors from both parties.  Last action in May was “Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote” by Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

               H.R. 3013:  H.R. 3013

Original article in January:  Ship It Act 2023

February:

This month saw three pieces of legislation that we covered in on article.

         1.  Introduced in the US House by Rep. Neal Dunn (R-FL) on February 9, 2023.  The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act.

              Currently it is: November 2, 2023 Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote. By: House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce

              The REPAIR act would maintain the quality and affordable repairs by ensuring that owners and repair shops have access to maintenance tools and data.  "By prohibiting vehicle owners from accessing and sharing data they generate, manufacturers stop consumers from accessing third-party repair shops,” Rep. Davidson (R-OH) said. “American vehicle owners have a right to control their data, and a right to access third-party repair shops, tools and parts.”

               Follow this legislation here H. R. 906:  H.R. 906

          2.  Introduced by Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Seth Moulton (D-MA).  The Motor Carrier Safety Selection Act. This act would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a Safety Fitness Determination system for trucking companies.

               Currently it is: May 23, 2023 Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 36 - 28. By: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

               Follow this legislation here H. R. 915:  H.R. 915

          3.  Introduced by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and having 33 republican co-sponsors this legislation would overturn the heavy-duty truck emissions standards that were finalized in December 2022.

               Currently it is: This legislation has had a lot of action.  Here are a few we will highlight.  It was passed by both houses.  Sent to the President (June 7,2023).  Vetoed by President (Jun 14, 2023). Failed of passage in Senate over veto by Yea-Nay Vote. 50 – 50 (June 21, 2023).

                Follow this legislation here S.J. 11:  S.J. 11

Original article in February:  Federal Legislation Introduced Feb 2023

May:

Introduced by Josh Brecheen (R-OK) the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act.  This bill would not allow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to create and put into effect and rule or regulation that would require any vehicle over 26,000 pounds the is used for interstate commerce from having to have a speed limit-device installed to limit maximum speed.

Currently it is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. By: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Follow this legislation here H.R. 3039:  H.R. 3039

Original article in May:  Drive Act Legislation Introduced

June:

Reintroduced by Rep Troy E. Nehls (R-TX) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-PE) the Trucker Bathroom Access Act to the 118th congress session.  The legislation will allow truckers access to a bathroom at shipping and receiving facilities.  This bill was first introduced at the end of the 117th congress session and did not go anywhere.

Currently it is: Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit. By: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Follow this legislation here H.R. 3869:  H.R. 3869

Original article in June:  Bathroom Legislation

September:

This month saw three pieces of legislation that we covered in on article.

U.S. Senate is considering an amendment that would incorporate its version of the DOT appropriations bill, among others, as part of a military constructions and veterans affairs bill (H.R. 4366) that has already passed the House of Representatives. The House Appropriations Committee has approved its own version of the DOT funding bill (H.R. 4820), but that legislation has yet to be considered by the full House.

               1. H.R. 4266 Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024.  This bill provides FY2024 appropriations for several federal departments and agencies.

                   Currently it is: In November it passed the Senate and has been sent back to the House with the amendments.

                   Follow this legislation here H.R. 4266:  H.R. 4266

               2. S. 2437 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. his bill provides FY2024 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies.

                  Currently it is: Committee on Appropriations. Original measure reported to Senate by Senator Schatz.

                  Follow this legislation here S. 2437:  S. 2437

               3. H.R. 4820 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024.  This bill provides FY2024 appropriations to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and several related agencies.

                   Currently it is: November 7, 2023 - POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - Pursuant to clause 1(c) of rule XIX, the Chair announced further proceedings on H.R. 4820 would be postponed.

                   Follow this legislation here H.R. 4820:  H.R. 4820

Original article in September:  Federal Legislation Sept 2023

 

In November and December, we wrote on three other pieces of legislation.  None have moved or had anything done.  We will include the links to both of those articles.

In November: Overtime for Truckers:  Federal Legislation Overtime For Truckers

In December: Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act:  Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act

As you can see not much moves in the halls of congress.

The both of us are wishing all you a Happy, Safe and Prosperous New Year in 2024.

 

Sandy & Stephen

 
 
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