Bill to remove seasonal limits on Hours-of-Service relief for truckers hauling livestock and ag products

A Nebraska lawmaker reintroduced a bill that would provide more regulatory relief for truck drivers hauling agricultural products and livestock.

On December 17, 2025, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) announced the reintroduction of the Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety (HAULS) Act, according to a news release.

If passed, the HAULS Act would:

• Eliminate the requirement that ag and livestock hours-of-service (HOS) exemptions only apply during state designated planting and harvesting seasons.
• Amend and clarify the definition of “agricultural commodities” based on feedback provided by agriculture and livestock organizations.
• Expands on Fischer provision signed into law by authorizing a 150 air-mile exemption from HOS requirements on the destination side of a haul for ag commodity haulers.

“Nebraska’s farmers and ranchers feed and fuel our world, but burdensome regulations make it harder for their goods to be transported. That’s why I’ve introduced the HAULS Act to ensure that Nebraska’s ag products reach consumers in a safe and timely manner,” Fischer said. 

“Hauling grain and feed is time-critical, dependent on weather and market conditions, and needs to be done efficiently and safely,” said National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO Mike Seyfert. “The HAULS Act goes a long way toward giving agricultural haulers the flexibility they need to do their jobs without compromising safety. This legislation will help keep the agricultural supply chain moving efficiently and reliably, from the farm gate to domestic and international markets.”

The bill has been referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.