NW Kansas News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) have introduced the Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act, a bill aimed at easing regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers. The proposed legislation would allow these drivers to renew their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) online and update classifications for farm equipment.

Senator Moran, who serves on both the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, emphasized the importance of efficient transportation for Kansas farmers. “Kansas farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers depend on reliable, efficient transportation to move harvested crops from the fields to grain elevators and markets,” said Sen. Moran. “Our legislation would modernize the requirements for seasonal agricultural commercial driver’s licenses, making it easier for producers to renew their CDL and safely transport farm equipment and machinery during harvest.”

Senator Ernst also highlighted the need to reduce regulatory burdens during busy periods. “When harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates – they shouldn’t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads,” said Sen. Ernst. “My Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles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’s 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.”

The bill seeks to address challenges faced by Kansas farmers by updating the Seasonal Ag commercial driver's license program used heavily during peak application and harvest seasons. Supporters say these measures are important for maintaining a viable agricultural industry.

The Kansas Farm Bureau expressed support for modernizing the seasonal CDL program: “Kansas 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 I applaud Sen. Moran’s leadership in introducing this commonsense proposal to save time, cut costs and support smoother operations in rural Kansas and beyond.”

Other supporters include various state agriculture associations such as the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Sorghum Producers, and Kansas Soybean Association.

The legislation proposes authorizing online renewal for restricted CDLs tied to farm-related service industries. This change aims to streamline renewals, reduce administrative burdens on seasonal drivers, and improve access in rural areas where visiting licensing offices may be difficult.

Additionally, it clarifies that certain types of farm equipment—referred to as "Implements of Husbandry"—will not be classified as commercial motor vehicles or count toward weight ratings used in regulation enforcement.

A companion bill 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), among others.