STANDUP Legislative Update - June 18, 2009
STANDUP Legislative Update
June 18, 2009
Today it was announced that the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee has outlined a "blueprint" for the next surface transportation reauthorization bill.
The unfortunate news is that the bill does not, at this time, include the provisions of the Safe Teen And Novice Driver Uniform Protection (STANDUP) Act. This means we will have to push strongly for adoption in the Senate and for it to be included during the time the House bill makes it way through committee and floor consideration. We will have to use other means to incorporate the STANDUP bill in the reauthorization, or proceed as a stand-alone bill. We are already in contact with our supporters, who are as committed as ever, to discuss next steps, and will keep you informed of developments on this top-priority bill.
On a positive note, we have learned that the House T&I bill does contain many important safety measures, including:
- A sanction for states without primary enforcement seat belt laws.
- Several motorcoach safety regulatory requirements, such as driver safety training, commercial driver license examinations, improved driver medical testing and certification, more stringent motorcoach vehicle safety inspections, higher standards for motorcoach company safety fitness determinations, and several other overdue improvements to the operational safety of motorcoaches.
- A mandate for all long-haul trucks to be equipped with electronic-on-board-recorders (EOBRS)
- A sanction for states without ignition interlock system requirements for all impaired driving offenders, including first-time offenders.
- Additional money for highway safety grant programs, with strong provisions for accountability and performance standards.
The actual reauthorization bill could be introduced as early as Friday, June 19th. At the same time, the Obama Administration has requested an 18-month extension of the current law with some policy changes, supported by the Senate committee leaders, to give Congress more time to work on the bill. House Chairman Oberstar has stated his opposition to the temporary extension. The committee is holding a press conference later today, and more information may be available at that time.
Thank you for all your efforts on the STANDUP Act. This battle is far from over and with your ongoing help and support, we will continue together to build support and vigorously pursue passage of this much-needed, lifesaving legislation.
