TRAA Claims Legislative Victories for Tow Industry

As part of the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that is anticipated to be enacted, TRAA reports that several pieces of legislation have either been thwarted or incorporated into the Act as a result of their vigilance through lobbying efforts. 

One amendment that will not be incorporated into the Act was the regulation of non-consent towing rates proposed by two senators, which TRAA was against, citing its negative impact on the industry. With TRAA input to the Senate Commerce Committee, the proposed amendment was struck down.  

TRAA claims that their lobbying arm was also instrumental in advocating against an amendment proposing a federal increase to insurance liability coverage from $750,000 to $2M. TRAA argued that such insurance increases would be a burden on the towing industry. That amendment too was struck down. 

In addition, TRAA reports that they stood behind an amendment supporting an apprenticeship pilot program for under-21 CDL Drivers, as part of the DRIVE Safe Act. This legislative victory will allow up to 3,000 CDL holders aged 18 – 20 to drive long-haul in interstate commerce. TRAA argues it’s a great way to attract more qualified individuals looking for career opportunities. 

Finally, TRAA stood behind an Act protecting roadside first responders and Move Over law enforcement ordering a federal study of state Move Over Laws to determine which are most effective and how the federal government can partner with states for better enforcement. This too has passed.