House Releases Surface Reauthorization Text - TPR Integrity Provisions Included
- CVTA Staff
- 32 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has advanced the BUILD America 250 Act, a transportation reauthorization bill for fiscal years 2027 to 2031. Bill text was offered last night and while we are still combing through the bill to determine the entirety of provisions included, here are some noteworthy sections.
Pleasantly, a number of included provisions reflect the important advocacy work that CVTA members have advanced throughout recent engagements with Congressional staff.
Training Provider Registry Integrity
CVTA has long advocated for structural enforcement of the Training Provider Registry, emphasizing the need for effective mechanisms to remove noncompliant providers and uphold training quality. Section 5204 addresses this by requiring FMCSA to formalize the TPR complaint process and remove bad actors within 90 days, a current deficiency that state and non-state complainants have been acutely aware of for some time.
As well, to reduce fraud and 'chameleon' providers, FMCSA will now have statutory authority to remove providers that fail to disclose relationships with previously sanctioned entities, closing the loophole that allowed disqualified providers to re-enter the registry under new or related names.
Removing Red Tape for New Students
Codifying COVID-era FMCSA waivers to expedite training and testing, Section 5109 directs FMCSA to issue a rulemaking to permit third-party knowledge testing by qualified examiners and to allow a state to administer a CDL driving skills test to any applicant, regardless of domicile or training location. Keeping the SDAP Pilot Program Open
Section 5104 of the bill extends the Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program through September 30, 2031. This extension ensures that CVTA members participating in the SDAP may continue and new entrants may also participate. While strengthening the SDAP as an ongoing institutional program the language in 5104 also prevents the FMCSA from adding any additional requirements that could undercut participation.
While the BUILD America 250 Act does not include the DRIVE Safe Act, CVTA's efforts in the Senate and House on this topic continue to advance the concept.
