Legislative News/Updates

TRAA & TRAA LAN® Legislative Action

As your national association, TRAA provides legislative representation for the towing and recovery industry. TRAA, the TRAA LAN, and Tremont Strategies Group (TSG), our federal lobbying firm, have monitored and addressed numerous legislative issues. Please see some highlights of our legislative activity below.

2021

• Non-Consent Towing Rate Regulation Struck-Down (S. Amdt. 2137)– In early August, Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced an amendment regarding non-consent rate regulation. Having previously met with TRAA, our federal lobbying firm, and representatives from the Professional Towers Association of Nebraska, the Senate Commerce Committee’s minority staff proactively reached out to TRAA to get our opinion and understanding of the amendment. TRAA was able to quickly analyze the amendment, understand the negative impacts and bad precedent it sets, and articulate our concerns to the staff who were working as gatekeepers for amendments that would and wouldn’t make the final Senate passed version. We are happy to report that this potentially damaging amendment did not make it into the final Senate passed version of the bill. While it could be reintroduced by another member of Congress, it is highly unlikely, and our federal lobbying firm is monitoring the situation closely so we can strike it down again if needed.
• Increased IRS Reporting Provisions – Both the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate have been considering proposals to require banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions to report to the IRS on all deposits and withdrawals through business and personal accounts worth more than $600 regardless of tax liability.
  • TRAA has already sent letters to the Senate Finance Committee’s Chair Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-IN). As well as the House Ways and Means Committee’s Chairman Richard Neal (D-MA) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-TX). Through our federal lobbying team, we are actively working in coordination with many other small business associations to oppose these provisions. 
    
• 2021 Infrastructure Bill- TRAA continues to work with members of Congress on two critical components of the 2021 Infrastructure Bill:
  • Combating federal increases to insurance requirements – TRAA is working with the other OOIDA Minimum Insurance Requirement Coalition members to combat language in the bill that would raise the minimum insurance requirement from $750,000 to $2 million. So far, TRAA representatives and our federal lobbying firm have participated in 50+ meetings with members of Congress and key congressional committees on this issue.
  • Weights and Measures Amendments. – TRAA representatives and our federal lobbying firm are working hard, meeting with members of Congress, safety advocacy groups, etc, to education and engage support TRAA’s requested weights and measures amendments.
  • 1386 Protecting Roadside First Responders Act- TRAA has officially signed on to support the Act which addresses transportation matters relating to Move Over laws and crash avoidance technology.

• 2021 Legislative Action Workshop and Hill Day in Review – TRAA’s 3rd annual Legislative Action Workshop & Hill Day was another successful event! Even though we were virtual this year, we still met with 40+ members of Congress and their staffers, a House committee, and a Senate Committee to address four key issues impacting the industry.

• ATA Towing Task Force – TRAA Executive Cabinet member and TRAA Legislative Advocacy Network (LAN) Chair, William Johnson has been appointed to a position on the Task Force. Additionally, Jeffrey Godwin, TRAA LAN Representative and the Associate Representative on TRAA’s Executive Cabinet, also has a seat.

• Combating federal increases to insurance requirements (Moving Forward Act H.R. 2) – TRAA is working with the other OOIDA Minimum Insurance Requirement Coalition members. We continue to work with members of Congress to express the industry’s opposition.

• Federal Move Over Law Provisions – Ongoing efforts on multiple fronts to achieve national uniformity and recognition for Move Over Laws across the country.

• Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA)– Currently working with Congressman John Rose’s staff to review the vehicle notification process and the tower’s ability to obtain the vehicle owner’s contact information. The Congressman’s office will be reaching out to the Department of Defense for discussion.

• 2700 Protecting Roadside First Responders Act– Act relates to Move Over laws and crash avoidance technology. Working with our lobbyist and stakeholders to review and support the Act. TRAA has officially signed on to support the Act which addresses transportation matters relating to Move Over laws and crash avoidance technology.

2020

• TRAA’s Legislative Action Workshop/Conference – Legislative Action Workshop: Event In Review
• NJ Law Revision Commission 
  • TRAA received a request from the NJ Law Revision Commission to review their proposed modifications to the N.J.S. 56:13-21 Violation of act; unlawful practice. TRAA has submitted a written response in opposition of the proposed changes.
• Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing Programs
  • TRAA submitted a comment in opposition to the addition of hair testing in light of the guidelines already in place.
• Moving Forward Act or INVEST in America Act (H.R.2)
  • TRAA has supported Senator Daines’ (R-MT) opposition to potential language in the highway bill that would increase liability insurance coverage requirements from $750,000 to $2 million per truck.
  • Due to the pandemic, it is expected that the INVEST in America Act (aka the highway infrastructure bill) will be addressed within the first six months of 2021. TRAA’s efforts are ongoing.
• Data Collection to Support a Federal Move Over Law 
  • TRAA is working cooperatively with the federal Transportation Research Board (TRB) as they evaluate the need for formal data collection. TRAA is assisting the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) in their efforts and research.
• 2020 INVEST in America Act
  • TRAA is working with our lobbying team to introduce a much needed weights and measures amendment for the towing industry.
• Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
  • Working with stakeholders to review the notification process and the tower’s ability to obtain contact information. Currently working with several state associations impacted by this legislation.
• Res.373 – Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Move Over Law Day
  • Originally submitted by APTRA and introduced by Congressman Biggs (R-AZ), TRAA has supported the resolution by securing three additional co-sponsors and introduced expanded language to include all traffic incident management responders.
• 2700 Protecting Roadside First Responders Act
  • Act relates to Move Over laws and crash avoidance technology. Working with our lobbyist and stakeholders to review and support the Act
• COVID-19 Resources and Information
  • During this COVID-19 crisis, TRAA has been working diligently in cooperation with our lobbying firm, Tremont Strategies Group (TSG) to provide valuable and up-to-date information on the situation to the towing community.
  • TRAA’s efforts were instrumental in updating the CISA Essential Workers Guidance to include towing/recovery services. We are essential!

2019

• TRAA Legislative Action Workshop/Conference – Legislative Action Day – Event In Review
• TRAA hires a federal lobbying firm, Tremont Strategies Group (TSG) 
• TRAA Joins Coalition to Halt Four Bills with “Burdensome” Unfunded Mandates – A coalition of 31 trucking and trade groups is urging Congress to halt four bills it claims would cost the industry billions of dollars in “burdensome” unfunded mandates:
  • 665/HR 1511 – “Stop Underrides Act”
  • The Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act of 2019 (S. 2033)
  • 3773 – “Safe Roads Act”
  • HR 3781 – “Insurance Act”
• Docket FMCSA-2018-0248-5454 – Hours of Service of Drivers – TRAA submitted comments in favor of revising the HOS rules to allow for increased flexibility under certain circumstances.
• Servicemember’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
  • Working with stakeholders to review the notification process and the tower’s ability to obtain contact information.
• 1127 – Supporting the goals and ideals of a National Move Over Law Day
  • TRAA contributed and offered support for the resolution.
• 1374 – DRIVE-Safe Act
  • TRAA offered support for the bill as a step towards encouraging young individuals towards a career in towing and recovery.
• 665/HR 1511- “Stop Underrides Act”
  • Monitoring
• HR 3781- “Insurance Act”
  • Monitoring
• 3773- “Safe Roads Act”
  • Monitoring
• MO S.B.749- Establishes a Towing Task Force
  • Offered support via MO Tow Truck Association’s President, Jared Innis.
• MO S.B.323- Directs the Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Highway Patrol and the advisory committee created in the act, to promulgate rules governing the towing of commercial vehicles
  • Offered support via MO Tow Truck Association’s President, Jared Innis.
• FMCSA-2018-0346- Commercial Driver’s Licenses; Pilot Program to Allow Drivers Under 21 to Operate Commercial Motor Vehicles in Interstate Commerce
  • Submitted letter of support

2018

• Oklahoma Abandoned Vehicle Legislation
  • Submitted support documentation
• Maine Liability Court Case
  • Review documents
  • Solicit support
• Hours of Service – Federal Register
  • Comment submitted
• Virginia Auction Lien Process
  • Reviewed and comments submitted

2017

• TRAA submits ELD Exemption Petition
  • Submitted December 2017
  • Denied June 2018
• R.3282 ELD Extension Act of 2017
  • Submitted letter of support to Rep. Brian Babin (R-TX-36)
  • LAN representative met with Congressman
  • Press release to industry publications and media
  • Call to Action to state associations
• NCOIL Model Consumer Protecting Towing Act
  • Submitted letter of opposition to NCOIL’s National Office and Representative Matt Lehman (IN)
  • Call to Action to state towing associations and company members with areas of concern outlined
  • TRAA representatives met with NCOIL and NAMIC in May 2018
• Reducing Regulation & Controlling Regulatory Costs
  • Submitted letter to Secretary Elaine Chao expressing industry concerns regarding DOT/FHWA regulations
• Maine H.P. 724 – Act Concerning the Contents of a Commercial Vehicle Towed without the Consent of the Vehicle’s Owner
  • Reviewed, no action required
• NY S5397A – Bill Standardizing Towing Lights
  • Submitted letter of support
• Wisconsin State Ton Per Mile (TPM) Tax
  • Submitted letter of opposition
• Killing of a Motor Club Service Provider in FL
  • Submitted letter to all motor club CEO’s regarding policies and procedures
  • Call to Action to state associations
• Industry Insurance Crisis
  • Informational handout with advice created by Elizabeth Martineau-Dupuis, TRAA Director of Certification

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its decision to grant TowMate, LLC’s (TowMate) application for a limited two-year exemption to allow motor carriers to operate rechargeable wireless temporary stop, turn, and tail lighting systems during temporary towing operations. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), all required lamps, with the exception of battery-powered lamps used on projecting loads, must be powered by the electrical system of the motor vehicle. The Agency has determined that use of rechargeable wireless temporary stop, turn, and tail lighting systems during temporary towing operations would not have an adverse impact on safety, and use of these systems under the terms and conditions of the exemption would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulation. This decision is consistent with an August 2005 amendment to the FMCSRs to allow battery powered lamps on the rear of projecting loads.