U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate
Commerce Committee and Ranking Member of the Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports Subcommittee, released the following statement today after reintroducing the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act:
"Nebraska's ag and livestock haulers provide a critical service transporting food and fuel across the nation. However, certain federal regulations fail to account for the unique circumstances involved in moving their products. The HAULS Act builds on my previous work to help our haulers transport their critical goods safely and efficiently."
Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Tina Smith (D-Minn.) joined Senator Fischer in introducing the HAULS Act. The legislation would:
1. Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service (HOS) exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons
2. Amend and clarify the definition of "agricultural commodities" based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations
3. Authorize a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination \side of a haul for ag and livestock haulers
