Reps. Mann, Davids Introduce Bill to Increase Motor Carrier Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Sharice Davids (KS-03) introduced the Motor Carrier Safety Screening Modernization Act. If passed and signed into law, thislegislation would improve motor carrier safety by expanding access to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) voluntary safety data screening program for both prospective and current drivers. The bill also modernizes the process for drivers and carriers to challenge inaccurate data on their records.

“The men and women who keep our supply chain efficient play a critical role in feeding, fueling, and clothing the world,” said Rep. Mann. “This commonsense legislation makes our roadways safer, gives trucking companies the tools they need to strengthen driver training and safety programs, and improves the efficiency of our supply chain. By cutting unnecessary red tape and ensuring accuracy in driver safety records, we can better support both our nation’s truckers and the businesses that rely on them every day.”

“Keeping Kansans safe on our roads while supporting the workers who keep our economy moving should never be a partisan issue," said Rep. Davids. "This bipartisan effort is about using common-sense tools to prevent crashes, protect drivers, and make sure safety records are fair and accurate. I’m proud to work with Representative Mann to deliver a Kansas-driven solution that puts people first, strengthens our supply chain, and shows that when it comes to safety and fairness, we can work together to get things done.”

Since 2009, FMCSA’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) has provided motor carriers access to data on serious driver-related safety violations during the hiring process. Studies show that carriers using PSP have seen an eight percent reduction in crashes and a 17 percent reduction in out-of-service events. However, current law prohibits motor carriers from accessing those same records after a driver is hired. This legislation updates the PSP to allow for continuous access, helping companies identify safety issues early, expand training, and reduce future roadway crashes.

The bill would improve highway safety and transparency by:

• Expanding access to FMCSA’s Pre-Employment Screening Program, allowing motor carriers to review safety records for both prospective and current drivers.
• Enhancing driver training and safety programs by enabling carriers to identify safety issues earlier and provide ongoing professional development.
• Protecting driver privacy and rights by maintaining the voluntary nature of the PSP, requiring driver consent for record access, and preserving protections under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
• Promoting fairness and accountability by ensuring data challenges are adjudicated by someone other than the original issuing officer, improving due process and confidence in safety data accuracy.

The Motor Carrier Safety Screening Modernization Act is supported by the American Busing Association, American Trucking Association, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Driver Employer Council of America, National Safety Council, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association, Transportation Workers Union, Truckload Carriers Association, and Women in Trucking.

“One of the trucking industry’s top priorities is to ensure that only the highest quality drivers are behind the wheels of commercial motor vehicles,” said American Trucking Associations SVP of Legislative Affairs Alex Rosen. “FMCSA’s Pre-employment Screening Program is a critical tool that helps achieve this safety goal; however, red tape currently restricts employers’ ability to proactively catch violations and root out risky drivers. We appreciate Representatives Mann and Davids and Senator Moran for leading the bipartisan effort to fix this issue and empower motor carriers to conduct regular audits of their drivers’ safety records.”

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For more information on Rep. Mann visit www.mann.house.gov