Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act of 2025
Impact
The proposed tax credit would allow eligible commercial truck drivers to receive a credit of up to $7,500 against their federal taxes, contingent upon their income level and the number of hours they log driving a commercial vehicle. Specifically, it targets drivers with a Class A commercial driver's license and includes provisions for those new to the profession, potentially leading to more truck drivers entering the workforce. The bill sets specific income thresholds to qualify, thereby ensuring that the benefits reach those who may require them most within the industry.
Summary
House Bill 2391, known as the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act of 2025, seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to create a refundable tax credit specifically for commercial truck drivers. This initiative is aimed at bolstering the transportation workforce amid ongoing supply chain challenges. By offering financial incentives, the bill aims to encourage more individuals to enter or remain in the trucking industry, which is critical for the efficient movement of goods across the country.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support from various stakeholders within the trucking and logistics sectors, it may also face opposition rooted in budgetary concerns regarding the tax credit's fiscal implications. Critics may argue that providing such tax incentives could lead to decreased federal revenue, impacting funding for other essential services. Furthermore, debates may arise surrounding the effectiveness of tax credits in addressing workforce shortages versus other regulatory or training-focused solutions to enhance labor supply issues in the trucking industry.
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.
Crimes: intoxication or impairment; methods of testing intoxication or impairment in the Michigan vehicle code; expand to include other bodily fluid. Amends secs. 43b & 319b of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.43b & 257.319b) & adds sec. 36d. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4391'25
Vehicles: emergency vehicles; exception to commercial driver license for authorized emergency vehicles of Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System; create. Amends sec. 312e of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.312e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4301'25
Vehicles: emergency vehicles; exception to commercial driver license for authorized emergency vehicles of Michigan Mutual Aid Box Alarm System; create. Amends sec. 312e of 1949 PA 300 (MCL 257.312e). TIE BAR WITH: HB 5341'23