House introduces legislation to block funding bill EOBR provision

Washington – The House recently introduced an amendment to a transportation funding bill that would block a provision in the bill mandating installation of electronic onboard recorders. The funding bill passed the House and Senate on June 29.

The Grain Valley, MO-based Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association had criticized the mandate before the funding bill was voted on. Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive vice president, said in a June 28 press release that the devices, which track whether drivers are compliant with hours-of-service regulations, are “totally ineffective at improving safety.” The association also noted that a previous mandate from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration was struck down by a federal appeals court because FMCSA could not prove the devices increased roadway safety.

At press time, the House amendment to block the provision was still being debated. The transportation funding bill has been sent to President Barack Obama.