State House bill would benefit truckers

(Harrisburg) — The state House has approved legislation designed to benefit truckers in Pennsylvania, but opponents say safety could be compromised. 

Under the bill, trucks registered in Pennsylvania weighing over 17 thousand pounds would have to be inspected by the state once a year, down from the current requirement of two inspections.

Representative Doyle Heffley, who sponsored the bill, says safety would not be affected.

“It wouldn’t reduce a single safety standrard.  Those are all part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  Those are all determined.  Also, most of your carriers have higher standards than what the Federal Motor Carrier standards are,” he said.

Opponents point out that the Pennsylvania State Police also expressed safety concerns, and PennDOT was hoping for a no vote because fewer inspections mean less revenue for the Motor License Fund.

The bill now heads to the Senate.