Signed Legislation: Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 (Part 15)

Read part I of  Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015

Subtitle C--Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety

SEC. 5301. IMPLEMENTING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

(a) National Clearinghouse for Controlled Substance and Alcohol Test Results of Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators- If the deadline established under section 31306a(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, has not been met, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate written notification that--

(1) explains why such deadline has not been met; and

(2) establishes a new deadline for completion of the requirements of such section.

(b) Electronic Logging Devices- If the deadline established under section 31137(a) of title 49, United States Code, has not been met, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate written notification that--

(1) explains why such deadline has not been met; and

(2) establishes a new deadline for completion of the requirements of such section.

(c) Standards for Training- If the deadline established under section 31305(c) of title 49, United States Code, has not been met, not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate written notification that--

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(1) explains why such deadline has not been met; and

(2) establishes a new deadline for completion of the requirements of such section.

(d) Further Responsibilities- If the Secretary determines that a deadline established under subsection (a)(2), (b)(2), or (c)(2) cannot be met, not later than 30 days after the date on which such determination is made, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate written notification that--

(1) explains why such deadline cannot be met; and

(2) establishes a new deadline for completion of the relevant requirements.

SEC. 5302. WINDSHIELD MOUNTED SAFETY TECHNOLOGY.

(a) In General- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue regulations to modify section 393.60(e)(1) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, to permanently allow the voluntary mounting on the inside of a vehicle's windshield, within the area swept by windshield wipers, of vehicle safety technologies, if the Secretary determines that such mounting is likely to achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be achieved without such mounting.

(b) Vehicle Safety Technology Defined- In this section, the term `vehicle safety technology' includes lane departure warning systems, collision avoidance systems, on-board video event recording devices, and any other technology determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(c) Rule of Construction- Nothing in this section may be construed to alter the terms of a short-term exemption from section 393.60(e) of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, granted and in effect as of the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 5303. PRIORITIZING STATUTORY RULEMAKINGS.

The Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shall prioritize the completion of each outstanding rulemaking required by statute before beginning any other rulemaking, unless the Secretary determines that there is a significant need for such other rulemaking.

SEC. 5304. SAFETY REPORTING SYSTEM.

(a) In General- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the cost and feasibility of establishing a self-reporting system for commercial motor vehicle drivers or motor carriers with respect to en route equipment failures.

(b) Contents- The report required under subsection (a) shall include--

(1) an analysis of--

(A) alternatives for the reporting of equipment failures in real time, including an Internet Web site or telephone hotline;

(B) the ability of a commercial motor vehicle driver or a motor carrier to provide to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proof of repair of a self-reported equipment failure;

(C) the ability of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure that self-reported equipment failures proven to be repaired are not used in the calculation of Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category scores;

(D) the ability of roadside inspectors to access self-reported equipment failures;

(E) the cost to establish and administer a self-reporting system;

(F) the ability for a self-reporting system to track individual commercial motor vehicles through unique identifiers; and

(G) whether a self-reporting system would yield demonstrable safety benefits;

(2) an identification of any regulatory or statutory impediments to the implementation of a self-reporting system; and

(3) recommendations on implementing a self-reporting system.

SEC. 5305. NEW ENTRANT SAFETY REVIEW PROGRAM.

(a) In General- The Secretary shall conduct an assessment of the new operator safety review program under section 31144(g) of title 49, United States Code, including the program's effectiveness in reducing crashes, fatalities, and injuries involving commercial motor vehicles and improving commercial motor vehicle safety.

(b) Report- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall publish on a publicly accessible Internet Web site of the Department and submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report on the results of the assessment conducted under subsection (a), including any recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the program (including recommendations for legislative changes).

SEC. 5306. READY MIXED CONCRETE TRUCKS.

A driver of a ready mixed concrete mixer truck is exempt from section 3(a)(3)(ii) of part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, if the driver is in compliance with clauses (i), (iii), (iv), and (v) of subsection (e)(1) of section 1 of part 395 of such title (regarding the 100 air-mile logging exemption).

Subtitle D--Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

SEC. 5401. OPPORTUNITIES FOR VETERANS.

(a) Standards for Training and Testing of Veteran Operators- Section 31305 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(d) Standards for Training and Testing of Veteran Operators-

`(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than December 31, 2016, the Secretary shall modify the regulations prescribed under subsections (a) and (c) to--

`(A) exempt a covered individual from all or a portion of a driving test if the covered individual had experience in the armed forces or reserve components driving vehicles similar to a commercial motor vehicle;

`(B) ensure that a covered individual may apply for an exemption under subparagraph (A) during, at least, the 1-year period beginning on the date on which such individual separates from service in the armed forces or reserve components; and

`(C) credit the training and knowledge a covered individual received in the armed forces or reserve components driving vehicles similar to a commercial motor vehicle for purposes of satisfying minimum standards for training and knowledge.

`(2) DEFINITIONS- In this subsection, the following definitions apply:

`(A) ARMED FORCES- The term `armed forces' has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(4) of title 10.

`(B) COVERED INDIVIDUAL- The term `covered individual' means--

`(i) a former member of the armed forces; or

`(ii) a former member of the reserve components.

`(C) RESERVE COMPONENTS- The term `reserve components' means--

`(i) the Army National Guard of the United States;

`(ii) the Army Reserve;

`(iii) the Navy Reserve;

`(iv) the Marine Corps Reserve;

`(v) the Air National Guard of the United States;

`(vi) the Air Force Reserve; and

`(vii) the Coast Guard Reserve.'.

(b) Implementation of the Military Commercial Driver's License Act- Not later than December 31, 2015, the Secretary shall issue final regulations to implement the exemption to the domicile requirement under section 31311(a)(12)(C) of title 49, United States Code.

(c) Conforming Amendment- Section 31311(a)(12)(C)(ii) of title 49, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

`(ii) is an active duty member of--

`(I) the armed forces (as that term is defined in section 101(a)(4) of title 10); or

`(II) the reserve components (as that term is defined in section 31305(d)(2)(C) of this title); and'.

SEC. 5402. DRUG-FREE COMMERCIAL DRIVERS.

(a) In General- Section 31306 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in subsection (b)(1)--

(A) by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);

(B) in subparagraph (A) by striking `The regulations shall permit such motor carriers to conduct preemployment testing of such employees for the use of alcohol.'; and

(C) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:

`(B) The regulations prescribed under subparagraph (A) shall permit motor carriers--

`(i) to conduct preemployment testing of commercial motor vehicle operators for the use of alcohol; and

`(ii) to use hair testing as an acceptable alternative to urine testing--

`(I) in conducting preemployment testing for the use of a controlled substance; and

`(II) in conducting random testing for the use of a controlled substance if the operator was subject to hair testing for preemployment testing.';

(2) in subsection (b)(2)--

(A) in subparagraph (A) by striking `and' at the end;

(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and'; and

(C) by adding at the end the following:

`(C) shall provide an exemption from hair testing for commercial motor vehicle operators with established religious beliefs that prohibit the cutting or removal of hair.'; and

(3) in subsection (c)(2)--

(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by inserting `for urine testing, and technical guidelines for hair testing,' before `including mandatory guidelines';

(B) in subparagraph (B) by striking `and' at the end;

(C) in subparagraph (C) by inserting `and' after the semicolon; and

(D) by adding at the end the following:

`(D) laboratory protocols and cut-off levels for hair testing to detect the use of a controlled substance;'.

(b) Guidelines- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall issue scientific and technical guidelines for hair testing as a method of detecting the use of a controlled substance for purposes of section 31306 of title 49, United States Code.

SEC. 5403. CERTIFIED MEDICAL EXAMINERS.

(a) In General- Section 31315(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking `or section 31136' and inserting `, section 31136, or section 31149(d)(3)'.

(b) Conforming Amendment- Section 31149(d)(3) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting `, unless the person issuing the certificate is the subject of an exemption issued under section 31315(b)(1)' before the semicolon.

SEC. 5404. GRADUATED COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PILOT PROGRAM.

(a) Task Force-

(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall convene a task force to evaluate and make recommendations to the Secretary on elements for inclusion in a graduated commercial driver's license pilot program that would allow a novice licensed driver between the ages of 19 years and 6 months and 21 years to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle in a limited capacity in interstate commerce between States that enter into a bi-State agreement.

(2) MEMBERSHIP- The task force convened under paragraph (1) shall include representatives of State motor vehicle administrators, motor carriers, labor organizations, safety advocates, and other stakeholders determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(3) CONSIDERATIONS- The task force convened under paragraph (1) shall evaluate and make recommendations on the following elements for inclusion in a graduated commercial driver's license pilot program:

(A) A specified length of time for a learner's permit stage.

(B) A requirement that drivers under the age of 21 years be accompanied by experienced drivers over the age of 21 years.

(C) A restriction on travel distances.

(D) A restriction on maximum allowable driving hours.

(E) Mandatory driver training that exceeds the requirements for drivers over the age of 21 years issued by the Secretary under section 31305(c) of title 49, United States Code.

(F) Use of certain safety technologies in the vehicles of drivers under the age of 21 years.

(G) Any other element the task force considers appropriate.

(4) RECOMMENDATIONS- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the task force convened under paragraph (1) shall recommend to the Secretary the elements the task force has determined appropriate for inclusion in a graduated commercial driver's license pilot program.

(b) Pilot Program-

(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after receiving the recommendations of the task force under subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a graduated commercial driver's license pilot program in accordance with such recommendations and section 31315(c) of title 49, United States Code.

(2) PRE-ESTABLISHMENT REQUIREMENTS- Prior to the establishment of the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall--

(A) submit to Congress a report outlining the recommendations of the task force received under subsection (a); and

(B) publish in the Federal Register, and provide sufficient notice of and an opportunity for public comment on, the--

(i) proposed requirements for State and driver participation in the pilot program, based on the recommendations of the task force and consistent with paragraph (3);

(ii) measures the Secretary will utilize under the pilot program to ensure safety; and

(iii) standards the Secretary will use to evaluate the pilot program, including to determine any changes in the level of motor carrier safety as a result of the pilot program.

(3) PROGRAM ELEMENTS- The pilot program established under paragraph (1)--

(A) may not allow an individual under the age of 19 years and 6 months to participate;

(B) may not allow a driver between the ages of 19 years and 6 months and 21 years to--

(i) operate a commercial motor vehicle in special configuration; or

(ii) transport hazardous cargo;

(C) shall be carried out in a State (including the District of Columbia) only if the Governor of the State (or the Mayor of the District of Columbia, if applicable) approves an agreement with a contiguous State to allow a licensed driver under the age of 21 years to operate a commercial motor vehicle across both States in accordance with the pilot program;

(D) may not recognize more than 6 agreements described in subparagraph (C);

(E) may not allow more than 10 motor carriers to participate in the pilot program under each agreement described in subparagraph (C);

(F) shall require each motor carrier participating in the pilot program under an agreement described in subparagraph (C) to--

(i) have in effect a satisfactory safety fitness determination that was issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration during the 2-year period preceding the date of the Federal Register publication required under paragraph (2)(B); and

(ii) agree to have its safety performance monitored by the Secretary during participation in the pilot program;

(G) shall allow for the revocation of a motor carrier's participation in the pilot program if a State or the Secretary determines that the motor carrier violated the requirements, including safety requirements, of the pilot program; and

(H) shall ensure that a valid graduated commercial driver's license issued by a State that has entered into an agreement described in subparagraph (C) and is approved by the Secretary to participate in the pilot program is recognized as valid in both States that are participating in the agreement.

(c) Inspector General Report-

(1) MONITORING- The Inspector General of the Department of Transportation shall monitor and review the implementation of the pilot program established under subsection (b).

(2) REPORT- The Inspector General shall submit to Congress and the Secretary--

(A) not later than 1 year after the establishment of the pilot program under subsection (b), an interim report on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1); and

(B) not later than 60 days after the conclusion of the pilot program, a final report on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1).

(3) ADDITIONAL CONTENTS-

(A) INTERIM REPORT- The interim report required under paragraph (2)(A) shall address whether the Secretary has established sufficient mechanisms and generated sufficient data to determine if the pilot program is having any adverse effects on motor carrier safety.

(B) FINAL REPORT- The final report required under paragraph (2)(B) shall address the impact of the pilot program on--

(i) safety; and

(ii) the number of commercial motor vehicle drivers available for employment.

SEC. 5405. VETERANS EXPANDED TRUCKING OPPORTUNITIES.

(a) In General- In the case of a physician-approved veteran operator, the qualified physician of such operator may, subject to the requirements of subsection (b), perform a medical examination and provide a medical certificate for purposes of compliance with the requirements of section 31149 of title 49, United States Code.

(b) Certification- The certification described under subsection (a) shall include--

(1) assurances that the physician performing the medical examination meets the requirements of a qualified physician under this section; and

(2) certification that the physical condition of the operator is adequate to enable such operator to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely.

(c) Definitions- In this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) PHYSICIAN-APPROVED VETERAN OPERATOR- The term `physician-approved veteran operator' means an operator of a commercial motor vehicle who--

(A) is a veteran who is enrolled in the health care system established under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code; and

(B) is required to have a current valid medical certificate pursuant to section 31149 of title 49, United States Code.

(2) QUALIFIED PHYSICIAN- The term `qualified physician' means a physician who--

(A) is employed in the Department of Veterans Affairs;

(B) is familiar with the standards for, and physical requirements of, an operator certified pursuant to section 31149 of title 49, United States Code; and

(C) has never, with respect such section, been found to have acted fraudulently, including by fraudulently awarding a medical certificate.

(3) VETERAN- The term `veteran' has the meaning given the term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

(d) Statutory Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to change any statutory penalty associated with fraud or abuse.

Subtitle E--General Provisions

SEC. 5501. MINIMUM FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

(a) Transporting Property- If the Secretary proceeds with a rulemaking to determine whether to increase the minimum levels of financial responsibility required under section 31139 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall consider, prior to issuing a final rule--

(1) the rulemaking's potential impact on--

(A) the safety of motor vehicle transportation; and

(B) the motor carrier industry, including small and minority motor carriers and independent owner-operators;

(2) the ability of the insurance industry to provide the required amount of insurance;

(3) the extent to which current minimum levels of financial responsibility adequately cover--

(A) medical care;

(B) compensation;

(C) attorney fees; and

(D) other identifiable costs;

(4) the frequency with which insurance claims exceed current minimum levels of financial responsibility in fatal accidents; and

(5) the impact of increased levels on motor carrier safety and accident reduction.

(b) Transporting Passengers-

(1) IN GENERAL- Prior to initiating a rulemaking to change the minimum levels of financial responsibility under section 31138 of title 49, United States Code, the Secretary shall complete a study specific to the minimum financial responsibility requirements for motor carriers of passengers.

(2) STUDY CONTENTS- A study under paragraph (1) shall include--

(A) a review of accidents, injuries, and fatalities in the over-the-road bus and school bus industries;

(B) a review of insurance held by over-the-road bus and public and private school bus companies, including companies of various sizes, and an analysis of whether such insurance is adequate to cover claims;

(C) an analysis of whether and how insurance affects the behavior and safety record of motor carriers of passengers, including with respect to crash reduction; and

(D) an analysis of the anticipated impacts of an increase in financial responsibility on insurance premiums for passenger carriers and service availability.

(3) CONSULTATION- In conducting a study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consult with--

(A) representatives of the over-the-road bus and private school bus transportation industries, including representatives of bus drivers; and

(B) insurers of motor carriers of passengers.

(4) REPORT- If the Secretary undertakes a study under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study.

SEC. 5502. DELAYS IN GOODS MOVEMENT.

(a) Report-

(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the Department shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the average length of time that operators of commercial motor vehicles are delayed before the loading and unloading of such vehicles and at other points in the pick-up and delivery process.

(2) CONTENTS- The report under paragraph (1) shall include--

(A) an assessment of how delays impact--

(i) the economy;

(ii) the efficiency of the transportation system;

(iii) motor carrier safety, including the extent to which delays result in violations of motor carrier safety regulations; and

(iv) the livelihood of motor carrier drivers; and

(B) recommendations on how delays could be mitigated.

(b) Collection of Data- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish by regulation a process to collect data on delays experienced by operators of commercial motor vehicles before the loading and unloading of such vehicles and at other points in the pick-up and delivery process.

SEC. 5503. REPORT ON MOTOR CARRIER FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

(a) In General- Not later than April 1, 2016, the Secretary shall publish on a publicly accessible Internet Web site of the Department a report on the minimum levels of financial responsibility required under section 31139 of title 49, United States Code.

(b) Contents- The report required under subsection (a) shall include an analysis of--

(1) the differences between State insurance requirements and Federal requirements;

(2) the extent to which current minimum levels of financial responsibility adequately cover--

(A) medical care;

(B) compensation;

(C) attorney fees; and

(D) other identifiable costs; and

(3) the frequency with which insurance claims exceed the current minimum levels of financial responsibility.

SEC. 5504. EMERGENCY ROUTE WORKING GROUP.

(a) In General-

(1) ESTABLISHMENT- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a working group to determine best practices for expeditious State approval of special permits for vehicles involved in emergency response and recovery.

(2) MEMBERS- The working group shall include representatives from--

(A) State highway transportation departments or agencies;

(B) relevant modal agencies within the Department;

(C) emergency response or recovery experts;

(D) relevant safety groups; and

(E) entities affected by special permit restrictions during emergency response and recovery efforts.

(b) Considerations- In determining best practices under subsection (a), the working group shall consider whether--

(1) impediments currently exist that prevent expeditious State approval of special permits for vehicles involved in emergency response and recovery;

(2) it is possible to pre-identify and establish emergency routes between States through which infrastructure repair materials could be delivered following a natural disaster or emergency;

(3) a State could pre-designate an emergency route identified under paragraph (2) as a certified emergency route if a motor vehicle that exceeds the otherwise applicable Federal and State truck length or width limits may safely operate along such route during periods of declared emergency and recovery from such periods; and

(4) an online map could be created to identify each pre-designated emergency route under paragraph (3), including information on specific limitations, obligations, and notification requirements along that route.

(c) Report-

(1) SUBMISSION- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the working group shall submit to the Secretary a report on its findings under this section and any recommendations for the implementation of best practices for expeditious State approval of special permits for vehicles involved in emergency response and recovery.

(2) PUBLICATION- Not later than 30 days after the date the Secretary receives the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish the report on a publicly accessible Internet Web site of the Department.

(d) Notification- Not later than 6 months after the date the Secretary receives the report under subsection (c)(1), the Secretary shall notify the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate on the actions the Secretary and the States have taken to implement the recommendations included in the report.

(e) Exemption- The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the working group.

(f) Termination- The working group shall terminate 1 year after the date the Secretary receives the report under subsection (c)(1).

SEC. 5505. HOUSEHOLD GOODS CONSUMER PROTECTION WORKING GROUP.

(a) Working Group- The Secretary shall establish a working group for the purpose of developing recommendations on how to best convey to inexperienced consumers the information such consumers need to know with respect to the Federal laws concerning the interstate transportation of household goods by motor carrier.

(b) Membership- The Secretary shall ensure that the working group is comprised of individuals with expertise in consumer affairs, educators with expertise in how people learn most effectively, and representatives of the household goods moving industry.

(c) Recommendations-

(1) CONTENTS- The recommendations developed by the working group shall include recommendations on--

(A) condensing publication ESA 03005 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration into a format that is more easily used by consumers;

(B) using state-of-the-art education techniques and technologies, including optimizing the use of the Internet as an educational tool; and

(C) reducing and simplifying the paperwork required of motor carriers and shippers in interstate transportation.

(2) DEADLINE- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act--

(A) the working group shall make the recommendations described in paragraph (1); and

(B) the Secretary shall publish the recommendations on a publicly accessible Internet Web site of the Department.

(d) Report- Not later than 1 year after the date on which the working group makes its recommendations under subsection (c)(2), the Secretary shall issue a report to Congress on the implementation of such recommendations.

(e) Exemption- The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the working group.

(f) Termination- The working group shall terminate 1 year after the date the working group makes its recommendations under subsection (c)(2).

SEC. 5506. TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS.

(a) In General- Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a comprehensive analysis of the information technology and data collection and management systems of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

(b) Requirements- The study conducted under subsection (a) shall--

(1) evaluate the efficacy of the existing information technology, data collection, processing systems, data correction procedures, and data management systems and programs, including their interaction with each other and their efficacy in meeting user needs;

(2) identify any redundancies among the systems, procedures, and programs described in paragraph (1);

(3) explore the feasibility of consolidating data collection and processing systems;

(4) evaluate the ability of the systems, procedures, and programs described in paragraph (1) to meet the needs of--

(A) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, at both the headquarters and State levels;

(B) the State agencies that implement the motor carrier safety assistance program under section 31102 of title 49, United States Code; and

(C) other users;

(5) evaluate the adaptability of the systems, procedures, and programs described in paragraph (1), in order to make necessary future changes to ensure user needs are met in an easier, timely, and more cost-efficient manner;

(6) investigate and make recommendations regarding--

(A) deficiencies in existing data sets impacting program effectiveness; and

(B) methods to improve user interfaces; and

(7) identify the appropriate role the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should take with respect to software and information systems design, development, and maintenance for the purpose of improving the efficacy of the systems, procedures, and programs described in paragraph (1).

SEC. 5507. NOTIFICATION REGARDING MOTOR CARRIER REGISTRATION.

Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate written notification of the actions the Secretary is taking to ensure, to the greatest extent practicable, that each application for registration under section 13902 of title 49, United States Code, is processed not later than 30 days after the date on which the application is received by the Secretary.

SEC. 5508. REPORT ON COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE SKILLS TEST DELAYS.

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter, the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that--

(1) describes, for each State, the status of skills testing for applicants for a commercial driver's license, including--

(A) the average wait time, by month and location, from the date an applicant requests to take a skills test to the date the applicant completes such test;

(B) the average wait time, by month and location, from the date an applicant, upon failure of a skills test, requests a retest to the date the applicant completes such retest;

(C) the actual number of qualified commercial driver's license examiners, by month and location, available to test applicants; and

(D) the number of testing sites available through the State department of motor vehicles and whether this number has increased or decreased from the previous year; and

(2) describes specific steps that the Administrator is taking to address skills testing delays in States that have average skills test or retest wait times of more than 7 days from the date an applicant requests to test or retest to the date the applicant completes such test or retest.

SEC. 5509. COVERED FARM VEHICLES.

Section 32934(b)(1) of MAP-21 (49 U.S.C. 31136 note) is amended by striking `from' and all that follows through the period at end and inserting the following: `from--

`(A) a requirement described in subsection (a) or a compatible State requirement; or

`(B) any other minimum standard provided by a State relating to the operation of that vehicle.'.

SEC. 5510. OPERATORS OF HI-RAIL VEHICLES.

(a) In General- In the case of a commercial motor vehicle driver subject to the hours of service requirements in part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, who is driving a hi-rail vehicle, the maximum on duty time under section 395.3 of such title for such driver shall not include time in transportation to or from a duty assignment if such time in transportation--

(1) does not exceed 2 hours per calendar day or a total of 30 hours per calendar month; and

(2) is fully and accurately accounted for in records to be maintained by the motor carrier and such records are made available upon request of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the Federal Railroad Administration.

(b) Emergency- In the case of a train accident, an act of God, a train derailment, or a major equipment failure or track condition that prevents a train from advancing, a driver described in subsection (a) may complete a run without being in violation of the provisions of part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations.

(c) Hi-Rail Vehicle Defined- In this section, the term `hi-rail vehicle' has the meaning given the term in section 214.7 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act.

SEC. 5511. ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE REQUIREMENTS.

Section 31137(b) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1)(C) by striking `apply to' and inserting `except as provided in paragraph (3), apply to'; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

`(3) EXCEPTION- A motor carrier, when transporting a motor home or recreation vehicle trailer within the definition of the term `driveaway-towaway operation' (as defined in section 390.5 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations), may comply with the hours of service requirements by requiring each driver to use--

`(A) a paper record of duty status form; or

`(B) an electronic logging device.'.

SEC. 5512. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS.

(a) Title 49- Title 49, United States Code, is amended as follows:

(1) Section 13902(i)(2) is amended by inserting `except as' before `described'.

(2) Section 13903(d) is amended by striking `(d) Registration as Motor Carrier Required- ' and all that follows through `(1) IN GENERAL- A freight forwarder' and inserting `(d) Registration as Motor Carrier Required- A freight forwarder'.

(3) Section 13905(d)(2)(D) is amended--

(A) by striking `the Secretary finds that--' and all that follows through `(i) the motor carrier,' and inserting `the Secretary finds that the motor carrier,'; and

(B) by adding a period at the end.

(4) Section 14901(h) is amended by striking `Household Goods' in the heading.

(5) Section 14916 is amended by striking the section designation and heading and inserting the following:

`Sec. 14916. Unlawful brokerage activities'.

(b) MAP-21- Effective as of July 6, 2012, and as if included therein as enacted, MAP-21 (Public Law 112-141) is amended as follows:

(1) Section 32108(a)(4) (126 Stat. 782) is amended by inserting `for' before `each additional day' in the matter proposed to be struck.

(2) Section 32301(b)(3) (126 Stat. 786) is amended by striking `by amending (a) to read as follows:' and inserting `by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:'.

(3) Section 32302(c)(2)(B) (126 Stat. 789) is amended by striking `section 32303(c)(1)' and inserting `section 32302(c)(1)'.

(4) Section 32921(b) (126 Stat. 828) is amended, in the matter to be inserted, by striking `(A) In addition' and inserting the following:

`(A) IN GENERAL- In addition'.

(5) Section 32931(c) (126 Stat. 829) is amended--

(A) by striking `Secretary' and inserting `Secretary of Transportation' in the matter to be struck; and

(B) by striking `Secretary' and inserting `Secretary of Transportation' in the matter to be inserted.

(c) Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999- Section 229(a)(1) of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (49 U.S.C. 31136 note) is amended by inserting `of title 49, United States Code,' after `sections 31136 and 31502'.

SEC. 5513. AUTOMOBILE TRANSPORTER.

(a) Automobile Transporter Defined- Section 31111(a)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

(1) by striking `specifically'; and

(2) by adding at the end the following: `An automobile transporter shall not be prohibited from the transport of cargo or general freight on a backhaul, so long as it complies with weight limitations for a truck tractor and semitrailer combination.'.

(b) Truck Tractor Defined- Section 31111(a)(3)(B) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

(1) by striking `only'; and

(2) by inserting before the period at the end the following: `or any other commodity, including cargo or general freight on a backhaul'.

(c) Backhaul Defined- Section 31111(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(5) BACKHAUL- The term `backhaul' means the return trip of a vehicle transporting cargo or general freight, especially when carrying goods back over all or part of the same route.'.

(d) Stinger-Steered Automobile Transporters- Section 31111(b)(1) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in subparagraph (E) by striking `or' at the end;

(2) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at the end and inserting `; or'; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

`(G) imposes a vehicle length limitation of less than 80 feet on a stinger-steered automobile transporter with a front overhang of less than 4 feet and a rear overhang of less than 6 feet.'.

SEC. 5514. READY MIX CONCRETE DELIVERY VEHICLES.

Section 31502 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(f) Ready Mixed Concrete Delivery Vehicles-

`(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, regulations issued under this section or section 31136 (including section 1(e)(1)(ii) of part 395 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations) regarding reporting, recordkeeping, or documentation of duty status, shall not apply to any driver of a ready mixed concrete delivery vehicle if--

`(A) the driver operates within a 100 air-mile radius of the normal work reporting location;

`(B) the driver returns to the work reporting location and is released from work within 14 consecutive hours;

`(C) the driver has at least 10 consecutive hours off duty following each 14 hours on duty;

`(D) the driver does not exceed 11 hours maximum driving time following 10 consecutive hours off duty; and

`(E) the motor carrier that employs the driver maintains and retains for a period of 6 months accurate and true time records that show--

`(i) the time the driver reports for duty each day;

`(ii) the total number of hours the driver is on duty each day;

`(iii) the time the driver is released from duty each day; and

`(iv) the total time for the preceding driving week the driver is used for the first time or intermittently.

`(2) DEFINITION- In this section, the term `driver of ready mixed concrete delivery vehicle' means a driver of a vehicle designed to deliver ready mixed concrete on a daily basis and is equipped with a mechanism under which the vehicle's propulsion engine provides the power to operate a mixer drum to agitate and mix the product en route to the delivery site.'.

SEC. 5515. SAFETY STUDY REGARDING DOUBLE-DECKER MOTORCOACHES.

(a) Study- The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with State transportation safety officials, shall conduct a study regarding the safety operations, fire suppression capability, tire loads, and pavement impacts of operating a double-decker motorcoach equipped with a device designed by the motorcoach manufacturer to attach to the rear of the motorcoach for use in transporting passenger baggage.

(b) Report- Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a report containing the results of the study to--

(1) the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and

(2) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

SEC. 5516. TRANSPORTATION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT.

Section 229(e)(4) of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (49 U.S.C. 31136 note) is amended--

(1) by striking `50 air mile radius' and inserting `75 air mile radius'; and

(2) by striking `the driver.' and inserting `the driver, except that a State, upon notice to the Secretary, may establish a different air mile radius limitation for purposes of this paragraph if such limitation is between 50 and 75 air miles and applies only to movements that take place entirely within the State.'.

SEC. 5517. COMMERCIAL DELIVERY OF LIGHT- AND MEDIUM-DUTY TRAILERS.

(a) Definitions- Section 31111(a) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(5) TRAILER TRANSPORTER TOWING UNIT- The term `trailer transporter towing unit' means a power unit that is not used to carry property when operating in a towaway trailer transporter combination.

`(6) TOWAWAY TRAILER TRANSPORTER COMBINATION- The term `towaway trailer transporter combination' means a combination of vehicles consisting of a trailer transporter towing unit and two trailers or semitrailers--

`(A) with a total weight that does not exceed 26,000 pounds; and

`(B) in which the trailers or semitrailers carry no property and constitute inventory property of a manufacturer, distributor or dealer of such trailers or semitrailers.'.

(b) General Limitations- Section 31111(b)(1) of such title is amended--

(1) in subparagraph (E) by striking `or' at the end;

(2) in subparagraph (F) by striking the period at the end and inserting `; or'; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

`(G) has the effect of imposing an overall length limitation of less than 82 feet on a towaway trailer transporter combination.'.

(c) Conforming Amendments-

(1) PROPERTY-CARRYING UNIT LIMITATION- Section 31112(a)(1) of such title is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: `, but not including a trailer or a semitrailer transported as part of a towaway trailer transporter combination, as defined in section 31111(a)'.

(2) ACCESS TO INTERSTATE SYSTEM- Section 31114(a)(2) of such title is amended by inserting `any towaway trailer transporter combination, as defined in section 31111(a),' after `passengers,'.

Continue to part XVI of  Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015

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