WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) are seeking to modernize what they called outdated regulations holding back America’s farmers and producers by allowing them to renew their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) online and update classifications for farm equipment through their Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act.

Ernst and Moran are members of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee, and Moran is also a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The senators said the bill would authorize online renewal for restricted CDLs for farm-related service industries.

Introduced by Ernst and Moran in September, the bill would also alleviate unnecessary restrictions and penalties by clarifying that agricultural-related equipment does not contribute to vehicle weight calculations, the senators added.

“When harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates,” Ernst said. “They shouldn’t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads.

“My Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles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,” she added. “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.”

Moran said, “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.”

Richard Gupton, Agricultural Retailers Association senior vice president of public policy and counsel, said, “By allowing increased load capacities, it addresses driver shortages, reduces trips, and ensures timely delivery of essential goods – all while maintaining transportation safety.”

Julie Kenney, Agribusiness Association of Iowa, CEO, said by providing a federal definition clarifying the use of agricultural implements of husbandry, “this bill reduces unnecessary regulatory burdens and ensures regulations better reflect the unique needs of today’s agricultural industry and equipment.”

Mike Steenhoek, Soy Transportation Coalition executive director, told Farm World, farmers have a long track record of being safe, responsible transporters of agricultural products.

“Any opportunity to streamline the process for farmers getting their CDLs would be valuable to the industry,” he said. “We appreciate Senator Ernst and Moran for their leadership in promoting tangible solutions for America’s farmers.”

Ryan Steffensen, Iowa Corn Promotion Board District 4 director, chair of the Iowa Corn Exports and Grain Trade Committee, and Guthrie Center, Iowa, farmer, told Farm World, “As a farmer, having the ability to update my Commercial Driver’s Licenses online would save me valuable time that I could instead spend on the farm.

“The updated regulations proposed in the Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would streamline the renewal process and modernize classifications for farm equipment, leading to fewer trips and helping to address labor shortages on farms,” he said.