5/14/2001 - Rep. Robert Rusten has introduced two bills that would impact truckdrivers. H7, another engine brake bill, would allow municipal governments to restrict the use of air compression brakes on trucks while traveling on state roads within the boundaries of the municipality, as long as the municipality has established a speed limit of 45 mph or less and the grade of the road is less than 2 percent. The bill is in the House Transportation Committee.
H34 would prohibit tractor-trailers in excess of 48 feet on Route 9 in Wilmington and Searsburg. The restriction would be lifted upon completion of a bypass around Wilmington. H34 also is in the House Transportation Committee.
The bill status number is (802) 828-2231.

4/24/01 - Sen. Richard McCormack has introduced a bill that would put new restrictions on trucks traveling on interstate highways in the winter. S98 would prohibit large trucks from passing other vehicles traveling at least 45 mph "if there is sufficient snow on the highway to cause a whiteout." The bill status number for the Vermont Legislature is (802) 828-2231.

3/29/2001 - "This Vermont bill is a Whacko bill"
Senator Richard McCormack has introduced a bill that would put new restrictions on trucks traveling on interstate highways in the winter.
Senate Bill 98 would prohibit large trucks from passing other vehicles traveling at 45 mph and over "if there is sufficient snow on the highway to cause a whiteout." The bill does not define what would be considered 'sufficient'.
Representative Robert Starr, who owns a trucking company, does not agree with the proposal. "This bill is a whacko bill. This would cause more accidents probably than anything else on the road."
The Vermont Senate number is (802) 828-2241.