The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee (T&I) passed legislation requiring the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to use the formal rulemaking process if it decides to move forward with any new regulations regarding sleep apnea.

The approach will enable a full scientific review and public comment process before any new regulations are prescribed.

“Sleep apnea is an important area that needs additional research to find ways to improve driver’s performance by reducing fatigue. ABA is a strong supporter of this effort. But it’s critical FMCSA use the existing formal rulemaking process to do this," said American Bus Association (ABA) President/CEO Peter Pantuso. "This bill was fast tracked through the committee in just a week, and it has strong bipartisan support. It is critical that the full House and the Senate approve it.”

The legislation is sponsored by Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN) and Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL). ABA officials added it will continue to work with the relevant House and Senate committees to ensure that this bill is ultimately passed and signed into law by the president.

A wide-ranging industry coalition of groups support the measure, including the ABA, the American Trucking Associations, the National Student Travel Association, the United Motorcoach Association, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the National Private Truck Council, the American Moving and Storage Association, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.