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Senate committee passes bill exempting in-state trucks from DEF requirement
Summary
A Senate committee advanced SB 4708 to exempt trucks operating exclusively within Arkansas from a federal diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) equipment requirement. Sponsor Senator Dave Wallace said the change aims to ease burdens on farmers and businesses; the bill passed on a voice vote.
Senator Dave Wallace presented SB 4708 to the committee, saying the bill would exempt vehicles operating wholly within Arkansas from a federal-style diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) equipment requirement. Wallace said the DEF device, which fits on 18-wheelers and some farm equipment, has caused “massive issues” for farmers and businesses and that the measure applies only while vehicles are within Arkansas.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Dave Wallace, told the committee the measure is intended as a state-level accommodation until the federal government changes its rules. He said he is running the bill for Gary Stubblefield and described the DEF equipment as “a green energy bill, but it does not work” for the affected truck operators.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the scope of the bill. Senator Johnson confirmed the bill has no effect on diesel engines that do not have a DEF filter system. There was no public testimony for or against the bill. A motion to pass, moved by Senator Stone and seconded by Senator Johnson, carried on a voice vote.
The committee recorded no further legislative conditions or follow-up for SB 4708 during the hearing.
