0
0

Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act

3/27/2025, 8:06 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1487

Bill 119 HR 1487, also known as the "Agricultural Vehicle Weight Increase Act," aims to amend title 23 of the United States Code to allow for an increase in the maximum gross vehicle weight for certain agricultural vehicles operating on a specific segment of the Interstate System in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The bill proposes to raise the weight limit for these agricultural vehicles in order to better accommodate the needs of farmers and agricultural workers in Virginia. By allowing for heavier loads to be transported on these specific roadways, the bill seeks to improve efficiency and productivity in the agricultural industry.

In addition to increasing the weight limit for agricultural vehicles, the bill also includes provisions for the enforcement of these new regulations and outlines penalties for non-compliance. It is important to note that this legislation is specific to the Commonwealth of Virginia and does not apply to other states or regions. Overall, the Agricultural Vehicle Weight Increase Act aims to support the agricultural community in Virginia by providing them with the necessary resources to transport goods more effectively and efficiently.

Congressional Summary of HR 1487

Agricultural and Forestry Hauling Efficiency Act

This bill allows Virginia to increase the vehicle weight limit for covered agricultural vehicles traveling on interstate highways to 90,000 pounds. Specifically, Virginia may provide a special permit for these covered agricultural vehicles to operate on interstate highways in Virginia.

The term covered agricultural vehicle means a vehicle that is transporting (1) unprocessed agricultural crops used for food, feed, or fiber; or (2) raw or unfinished forest products, including logs, pulpwood, rough-sawn green lumber, biomass, or wood chips.

Under current law, there is an 80,000 pound overall gross vehicle weight limit for interstate highways, with exceptions. Virginia allows certain agricultural vehicles that do not exceed 90,000 pounds to travel on Virginia highways that are not part of the interstate highway system.

Current Status of Bill HR 1487

Bill HR 1487 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 26, 2025. Bill HR 1487 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 21, 2025.  Bill HR 1487's most recent activity was Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H845) as of February 26, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1487

Total Number of Sponsors
5
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
5
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
1
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1487

Primary Policy Focus

Transportation and Public Works

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1487

To amend title 23, United States Code, to increase the maximum gross vehicle weight for certain agricultural vehicles operating on a segment of the Interstate System in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and for other purposes.
To amend title 23, United States Code, to increase the maximum gross vehicle weight for certain agricultural vehicles operating on a segment of the Interstate System in the Commonwealth of Virginia, and for other purposes.

Comments

Leo Bailey profile image

Leo Bailey

399

8 months ago

I don't get why this bill is gonna make things better for us. Seems like it's just gonna mess things up more. Can someone explain this to me?