Sunflower State News

U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, along with U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who also serves on the Senate Agriculture Committee, have introduced the Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act. The bill aims to ease regulations for seasonal agricultural drivers by permitting online renewal of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and updating how farm equipment is classified.

“Kansas farmers, ranchers and agricultural producers depend on reliable, efficient transportation to move harvested crops from the fields to grain elevators and markets,” said Sen. Moran. “Our legislation would modernize the requirements for seasonal agricultural commercial driver’s licenses, making it easier for producers to renew their CDL and safely transport farm equipment and machinery during harvest.”

Senator Ernst added: “When harvest season comes around, our farmers have enough on their plates – they shouldn’t have to spend valuable time navigating bureaucratic red tape that hinders their work in the field and on the roads. My Seasonal Agriculture CDL Modernization Act would update outdated regulations by ensuring seasonal restricted CDL registrations and renewals can be filed online, and providing more flexibility for folks driving vehicles specifically designed for the farm. Let’s hit the gas and remove these regulatory speed bumps to ensure Iowa farmers and agricultural suppliers can easily transport what they need to operate effectively.”

Supporters say that these changes are necessary for Kansas farmers and service providers during peak application and harvest seasons. One statement noted: “This legislation addresses challenges faced by Kansas farmers and agricultural service providers by providing necessary updates to modernize the Seasonal Ag commercial driver's license program that is heavily relied on during peak application and harvest seasons. The proposed measures are critical to the continued success and viability of the agricultural industry."

The Kansas Farm Bureau expressed support as well: “Kansas Farm Bureau believes making modern updates to the seasonal CDL program is sound government policy that recognizes the reality of what farmers and ranchers face every day trying to feed the country I applaud Sen. Moran’s leadership in introducing this commonsense proposal to save time, cut costs and support smoother operations in rural Kansas and beyond.”

Another supporter stated: "This legislation, led by Senators Moran and Ernst, modernizes outdated regulations to help agricultural retailers operate more efficiently and strengthen the supply chain. By allowing increased load capacities, it addresses driver shortages, reduces trips, and ensures timely delivery of essential goods—all while maintaining transportation safety." The bill has backing from groups such as Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Corn Growers Association, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, Kansas Farm Bureau, Kansas Sorghum Producers, and Kansas Soybean Association.

If passed into law, this measure would allow restricted CDLs used in farm-related service industries to be renewed online instead of requiring in-person visits—a change intended to make access easier for workers in rural areas where travel can be challenging. It also clarifies that certain types of farm equipment—referred to as "Implements of Husbandry"—are not considered commercial motor vehicles under federal rules so they do not count toward weight limits typically applied when calculating Gross Combination Weight Rating or Gross Weight Rating.

Similar legislation has been introduced in the House by Representatives Tracey Mann (R-KS-01), Derek Schmidt (R-KS-02), Ron Estes (R-KS-04), among others.