Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Diesel Equipment Def topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate panel approves bill letting in-state trucks skip DEF equipment requirement
Summary
The Senate committee voted to advance SB 4708, which would exempt trucks operating solely within Arkansas from a federal-style diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) equipment requirement while the state waits for federal action.
Senator Dave Wallace, District 19, told the Senate Transportation, Technology & Legislative Affairs Committee he was running SB 4708 for Representative Gary Stubblefield and said the bill would relieve Arkansas-based truckers of a problematic emissions device requirement while federal rules remain in flux.
Wallace said the device, which he called “the DEF,” "fits on large trucks, 18 wheelers, other trucks, in some cases, different pieces of farm equipment," and that many farmers and businesses have "massive issues with this piece of equipment." He told the committee the bill would make the equipment optional for vehicles that remain within Arkansas.
Senators moved and approved the bill by voice vote. Senator Stone moved to advance the bill, and Senator Johnson seconded; committee members signified assent and the chairman announced the bill passed.
The bill, as presented, does not change federal requirements for vehicles that operate outside Arkansas or across state lines. Wallace said the sponsors hope the federal government will ultimately change course nationwide; the bill limits relief to vehicles "within the state of Arkansas." The committee did not hear any public opposition during the meeting.
The committee did not specify a fiscal impact in the recorded discussion. The measure will proceed through the legislative process for further consideration and any required drafting or committee work.
A copy of the bill text and any fiscal notes were not presented during the audio record of the committee’s consideration.
