I am proud to announce that SB 509, the Implements of Husbandry bill, passed the Senate floor on Tuesday afternoon and now goes to the Governor's desk for his signature. This legislation is crucial for the agricultural community and I applaud the over 20 stakeholder groups that worked so hard together to get this passed.

 

SB 509 does the following:

1. Clarifies and strengthens the Implements of Husbandry definition so there is one location in statute that is clear and understandable.

2. Increases allowable weight under the law by roughly 15% to 23,000 lb per axle (92,000 lb gross vehicle weight). No other class of vehicles or industry has this ability under the law.

3. Requires DOT to create a single uniform application form. This allows farmers to fill out one form for all of their overweight or over-length equipment. It can then be copied and the same completed form can be sent to all jurisdictions.

4. Under current law, farmers operating overweight equipment have no recourse or protection if they are pulled over and ticketed. This bill creates safe havens for farmers.

5. Allows very wide machinery (over 15 feet in width) to be operated on the road without permitting provided it meets marking and lighting standards.

6. Gives towns and counties the ability to opt out of the permitting process. This means that the farmers do not need to file any paperwork with that jurisdiction and allows for Ag-Friendly areas to save on paperwork as well.

7. Allows for operators to carry their permits in their Implements electronically. This is a convenient option that allows farmers (especially larger farms and custom operators) to cut down on paperwork.

8. Implements the newly loosened weight and size regulations immediately to ensure farmers begin benefitting for this upcoming year, but pushes the permit implementation out to January 1, 2015 to allow all groups adequate time.