S 2909119th CongressIn Committee

Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act

Introduced: Sep 18, 2025

Sponsor: Sen. Moran, Jerry [R-KS] (R-Kansas)

Infrastructure

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would push the federal government to update rules governing farm-related service industry workers who hold restricted commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) used for seasonal farm work. The bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to revise two parts of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR): one to authorize states to create online registration and renewal for seasonal restricted CDL programs, and another to clarify that implements of husbandry (farm equipment) are not commercial motor vehicles and should not be weighed in calculating truck weight. Its overarching aim is to make it easier for eligible employees to renew seasonal licenses while ensuring that certain farm equipment remains outside the CMV framework. Key definitions needed for understanding the changes are provided in the bill, and the secretary would have to complete the regulatory revisions within one year of enactment.

Key Points

1The bill is named the “Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act” and would require the Secretary of Transportation to revise federal CDL regulations related to farm-related service industries.
2Online renewal: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must revise CFR section 383.3(f)(3)(ii) to allow states to develop and offer an online registration and renewal system so farm-related service industries and eligible employees in a seasonal restricted CDL program can renew their licenses more easily, provided all program terms and conditions are met.
3Implements of husbandry clarification: Within one year of enactment, the Secretary must revise CFR section 383.3(f) to clarify that implements of husbandry are not considered commercial motor vehicles and are not counted toward gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR).
4Definitions: The bill defines key terms, including eligible employee (one who seeks a restricted CDL), farm-related service industry (as described in existing federal regulations), implement of husbandry (farm-specific vehicles/equipment), restricted CDL, and Secretary (Secretary of Transportation).
5Regulatory timeline: The changes to both CFR provisions must be completed no later than one year after enactment.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Farm-related service industries and their workers who participate in seasonal farming operations and hold restricted CDLs. The online renewal option would reduce barriers to keeping licenses current.Secondary group/area affected- State motor vehicle agencies and the Department of Transportation, which would implement and manage the online renewal system at the state level.- Employers in farm-related services who rely on seasonal restricted CDLs for worker mobility and operations.Additional impacts- Clarification that implements of husbandry are not CMVs and are not subject to GVWR/GCWR calculations could reduce regulatory confusion and potentially affect how certain farming equipment is regulated in practice.- The changes could improve license renewal efficiency and compliance for seasonal agricultural activities, while maintaining relevant safety and regulatory standards.The bill was introduced in the Senate in the 119th Congress and is identified as S. 2909. Sponsor information in the text shows Senators Moran and Ernst as introducers. The status is “introduced,” meaning the bill has not yet become law.The text specifies CFR references (49 CFR 383.3) as the targets of the regulatory revisions but does not propose changes beyond those two sections.

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