Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1034

Introduced
3/29/23  

Caption

Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act

Impact

The enactment of SB 1034 is expected to significantly impact highway safety and the operations of commercial motor vehicle drivers. By formalizing a funding mechanism to build and enhance parking facilities, the bill seeks to alleviate safety issues that stem from inadequate parking, such as driver fatigue and traffic congestion caused by trucks idling in unsafe areas. Additionally, the bill includes specific financial allocations, proposing $175 million for fiscal year 2024, $260 million for 2025, and $320 million for 2026, thereby providing a substantial investment into this sector.

Summary

Senate Bill 1034, known as the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, aims to address the critical shortage of parking for commercial motor vehicles across the United States. This bill proposes the establishment of a competitive grant program under Title 23 of the United States Code, designed to support projects that will enhance the availability of safe parking for these vehicles along the Federal-aid highway system. The legislation encourages eligible entities which include states, local governments, and tribal governments to apply for these grants to expand parking capacities or improve existing facilities.

Contention

While SB 1034 has broad support for addressing the parking shortage, it does face some contention regarding its implementation. Critics might view the competitive nature of the grants as a potential hurdle for smaller communities or regions that may lack the resources to effectively apply. Furthermore, the bill prohibits the use of funds for charging or fueling infrastructure, which raises questions about future sustainability, especially as the industry shifts towards electrification. Ensuring equitable access to these funds and addressing the ongoing evolution of trucking with regards to green technology remain pivotal points for continued discussion.

Companion Bills

US HB2367

Same As Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act

Similar Bills

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Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act

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Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act or the SHIP IT Act This bill expands programs and special permits for trucks and truck drivers. Specifically, a state may issue a special permit for certain overweight vehicles based on a Presidential major disaster declaration or a Department of Transportation (DOT) declaration (1) of an emergency (including non-natural or financial), or (2) that the United States supply chain is having issues. Currently, a state may issue a special permit only based on a Presidential major disaster declaration. DOT must also, subject to the availability of funds, award competitive grants to construct or improve commercial vehicle parking facilities. Under the bill, the Department of Labor must provide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants for entry level commercial motor vehicle driver training. The bill also establishes a limited tax credit, adjusted annually based on inflation, for eligible commercial driver's license holders. Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must revise certain regulations related to commercial driver's license testing and permits, including to allow a third-party examiner to administer commercial driver's license tests. DOT must also establish a pilot program allowing states to issue permits for qualifying vehicles with six axles or more operating at greater than 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on a state's Interstate System. (Generally, the federal commercial vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds, with some exceptions.) The bill also exempts the battery weight from the gross vehicle weight for certain commercial motor vehicles powered primarily by electric battery power. Finally, existing driving time exemptions are expanded for truck drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies within a 150-mile radius.

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