{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=301AF225-1E0B-491E-AA5A-78DC8F4D6707", "Sens. Moran, Ernst Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Commercial Driver\u2019s Licenses During Harvest", "2025-09-24", "2025", "2025-09", "Republican", "Senate", "KS", "Jerry Moran", "M000934", "www.moran.senate.gov", "moran", "https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases", "scraper", "WASHINGTON \u2013 U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) \u2013 a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee \u2013 and U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) \u2013 a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee \u2013 introduced the Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act to help reduce burdensome regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers by allowing drivers to renew commercial driver\u2019s licenses (CDL) online and updating classifications for farm equipment.\n\n\u201cKansas farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers depend on reliable, efficient transportation to move harvested crops from the fields to grain elevators and markets,\u201d said Sen. Moran. \u201cOur legislation would modernize the requirements for seasonal agricultural commercial driver\u2019s licenses, making it easier for producers to renew their CDL and safely transport farm equipment and machinery during harvest.\u201d\n\n\u201cWhen harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates \u2013 they shouldn\u2019t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads,\u201d said Sen. Ernst. \u201cMy Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles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\u2019s 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.\u201d \"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,\u201d said Ronald Seeber, President and CEO, Kansas Agribusiness Retailers Association. \u201cThe proposed measures are critical to the continued success and viability of the agricultural industry.\"\n\n\u201cKansas 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,\u201d said Joe Newland, President, Kansas Farm Bureau. \u201cI applaud Sen. Moran\u2019s leadership in introducing this commonsense proposal to save time, cut costs and support smoother operations in rural Kansas and beyond.\u201d\n\n\"This legislation, led by Senators Moran and Ernst, modernizes outdated regulations to help agricultural retailers operate more efficiently and strengthen the supply chain,\u201d said Richard Gupton, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Counsel, Agricultural Retailers Association. \u201cBy allowing increased load capacities, it addresses driver shortages, reduces trips, and ensures timely delivery of essential goods\u2014all 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.\n\nSpecifically, the legislation would:\n\nAllow Online Renewal of Farm-Related Commercial Driver\u2019s Licenses \u2013 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.\n\nUpdate Classification of Agricultural Tools and Vehicles Specifically Designed for Farm Use \u2013 The legislation reduces unnecessary restrictions and penalties on ag-related equipment by making certain these pieces of farm equipment (known as \u201cImplements of Husbandry\u201d) are not classified as commercial motor vehicles and do not contribute to the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) or Gross Weight Rating (GWR).\n\nCompanion 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.\n\nFull text of the legislation can be found HERE.\n\n# # #", 1, "2026-03-30T01:40:41Z", "2026-04-06T19:10:29Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=301AF225-1E0B-491E-AA5A-78DC8F4D6707"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.5380110125988722, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}