10/1/09-A bill that will have to wait until next year for further consideration would affect how trucks who haul loose materials do business in the state.
SB5846 would require a vehicle with a model year of 2011 or later that has a gross vehicle weight of at least 16,001 pounds, and is designed primarily to haul materials, such as dirt, sand, or gravel, to be equipped with a permanently affixed manual or automated load covering device.
If employers do not install the proper equipment they would face $1,000 fines. Employers are not liable if the load covering device is installed.
At the end of the 2009 regular session, the bill remained in the Senate Rules Committee. It can be brought back for consideration during the 2010 session.