While Pennsylvania's state budget dominated headlines during the final days of the General Assembly's work before the summer recess, lawmakers also advanced several policy measures affecting the trucking industry. Chief among them was Senate Bill 1294, a PMTA-supported highway safety initiative that strengthens enforcement against unlicensed commercial driver training schools. Several other measures affecting the commercial vehicle industry, agricultural transportation, and fuel standards also reached the Governor's desk or were included in the Fiscal Code legislation accompanying the budget.

One additional measure approved during the final days of session—Senate Bill 779, establishing new statewide standards for towing companies and towing storage facilities—is covered in a separate PMTA article because of its significant implications for motor carriers.

Senate Bill 1294: Strengthening Oversight of CDL Training Schools

One of PMTA's top legislative priorities this session reached the Governor's desk with overwhelming bipartisan support. Senate Bill 1294, sponsored by Senator Judy Ward, strengthens Pennsylvania's ability to crack down on unlicensed commercial driver training schools by significantly increasing the penalties for operating without the required state license. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 48-2 in May and the House 201-1 on July 12.

Under current law, the State Board of Private Licensed Schools has limited authority to penalize operators who provide entry-level CDL training without proper licensure. Senate Bill 1294 increases the maximum civil penalty for unlicensed commercial driving schools from $2,500 to $25,000, giving regulators a much stronger enforcement tool against fraudulent or noncompliant training operations.

The legislation builds on federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements and reflects growing concern over unlicensed schools that undermine training standards and place inadequately trained drivers on Pennsylvania's highways.

PMTA strongly supported the legislation as part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of commercial driver training in Pennsylvania. Legitimate CDL schools invest significant time and resources to meet state and federal training requirements, while unlicensed operators gain an unfair competitive advantage by ignoring those standards. By substantially increasing the penalties for operating without a required license, Senate Bill 1294 provides regulators with a stronger tool to deter illegal training operations while helping ensure that new commercial drivers receive the training necessary to operate safely on Pennsylvania's roads.

Senate Bill 1353: Trailer Sales Exempted from Certain Dealer Restrictions

The General Assembly also approved Senate Bill 1353, which exempts trailer manufacturers, distributors, and dealers from certain provisions of Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act.

The legislation allows trailer manufacturers and distributors to own trailer dealerships and facilitate direct sales of trailers without being subject to restrictions that apply to motor vehicle manufacturers and dealers. Specifically, the bill exempts trailers from provisions governing manufacturer-dealer relationships and dealership market areas.

While the legislation affects a relatively narrow segment of the commercial vehicle industry, supporters said the changes modernize Pennsylvania law to better reflect today's trailer marketplace and provide greater flexibility for trailer manufacturers, distributors, and dealers operating in the Commonwealth.

Fiscal Code (Senate Bill 146): New Statewide Framework for Food Processing Residuals

The Fiscal Code legislation accompanying the state budget includes a new statewide framework governing the transportation, storage, and land application of food processing residuals (FPRs)—organic byproducts from food processing facilities that are sometimes used as fertilizer in agricultural operations.

The new law establishes a regulatory program to be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the State Conservation Commission. Together, the agencies are directed to develop regulations governing the storage, transportation, and land application of food processing residuals while implementing a new certification and training program for commercial haulers and brokers that transport, store, or apply these materials.

The legislation also requires food processing residuals used in normal farming operations to be managed under a site-specific land application system addressing storage, transportation, nutrient management, odor management, environmental protection, and other best management practices. Commercial haulers and brokers will be required to complete state-approved training, maintain documentation for each load, and comply with new certification and recordkeeping requirements. The law also authorizes inspections and establishes civil penalties for violations.

Supporters said the legislation was needed to establish consistent statewide standards following concerns about improper handling of food processing residuals and their potential impacts on neighboring properties and water quality. The law also preempts local governments from adopting more restrictive ordinances governing these activities.

Fiscal Code: Design-Build Best Value Authorized for the Pennsylvania Turnpike

The Fiscal Code also includes a provision authorizing the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to use Design-Build Best Value (DBBV) procurement for highway and bridge projects. Unlike traditional low-bid procurement, DBBV allows projects to be awarded based on a combination of qualifications, technical expertise, schedule, and cost, rather than price alone. Supporters say the approach can accelerate delivery of complex infrastructure projects, improve project quality, and reduce long-term costs. The authority is expected to be particularly beneficial for large, technically challenging projects, including the planned replacement of the Delaware River Bridge connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Senate Bill 1058: Pennsylvania Aligns E85 Fuel Definition with Federal Standards

Lawmakers also approved Senate Bill 1058, which updates Pennsylvania's definition of E85 flex fuel to align with federal and international standards.

The legislation revises the Vehicle Code's definition of "alternative fuels" to recognize gasoline-ethanol blends containing 51% to 85% ethanol, consistent with the ASTM International fuel specification and federal standards. As a result, qualifying E85 fuel will be taxed as an alternative fuel rather than as motor gasoline.

While the measure is not expected to have a significant impact on most commercial trucking operations, supporters said it modernizes Pennsylvania law, provides consistency with national fuel standards, and eliminates discrepancies in how E85 is classified and taxed.

As attention shifts from the budget to the implementation of these measures, several of the bills highlighted above now await the Governor's signature before becoming law. Together, they reflect the wide range of transportation and business policy issues that often move during the General Assembly's final days of session. PMTA will continue working with lawmakers and state agencies to advocate for policies that strengthen highway safety, support Pennsylvania's trucking industry, and promote a fair and competitive business environment.