Moran News
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) – a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee – and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) – a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee – introduced the Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act to help reduce burdensome regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers by allowing drivers to renew commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) online and updating classifications for farm equipment.
“Kansas farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers depend on reliable, efficient transportation to move harvested crops from the fields to grain elevators and markets,” said Sen. Moran. “Our legislation would modernize the requirements for seasonal agricultural commercial driver’s licenses, making it easier for producers to renew their CDL and safely transport farm equipment and machinery during harvest.”
“When harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates – they shouldn’t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads,” said Sen. Ernst. “My Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles specifically designed for the farm. Let’s hit the gas and remove these regulatory speed bumps to ensure Iowa farmers and agricultural suppliers can easily transport what they need to operate effectively.”
"This legislation addresses challenges faced by Kansas farmers and agricultural service providers by providing necessary updates to modernize the Seasonal Ag commercial driver's license program that is heavily relied on during peak application and harvest seasons,” said Ronald Seeber, President and CEO, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. “The proposed measures are critical to the continued success and viability of the agricultural industry."
“Kansas Farm Bureau believes making modern updates to the seasonal CDL program is sound government policy that recognizes the reality of what farmers and ranchers face every day trying to feed the country,” said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau. “I applaud Sen. Moran’s leadership in introducing this commonsense proposal to save time, cut costs and support smoother operations in rural Kansas and beyond.”
"This legislation, led by Senators Moran and Ernst, modernizes outdated regulations to help agricultural retailers operate more efficiently and strengthen the supply chain,” said Richard Gupton, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Counsel, Agricultural Retailers Association. “By allowing increased load capacities, it addresses driver shortages, reduces trips, and ensures timely delivery of essential goods—all while maintaining transportation safety."
The Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act is supported by a number of agricultural leaders, including the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Sorghum Producers and Kansas Soybean Association.
Specifically, the legislation would:
- Allow Online Renewal of Farm-Related Commercial Driver’s Licenses – The legislation would authorize online renewal for restricted CDLs for farm-related service industries, streamlining the renewal process, reducing administrative regulatory burdens for seasonal agricultural drivers and expanding accessibility for workers in rural communities who may face challenges with in-person CDL renewal.
- Update Classification of Agricultural Tools and Vehicles Specifically Designed for Farm Use – The legislation reduces unnecessary restrictions and penalties on ag-related equipment by making certain these pieces of farm equipment (known as “Implements of Husbandry”) are not classified as commercial motor vehicles and do not contribute to the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) or Gross Weight Rating (GWR).
Companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Ron Estes (R-KS-04) and others.
Full text of the legislation can be found HERE.