The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a bill designed to ensure the continuous transportation of milk during adverse weather conditions and declared emergencies. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 481 or the Milk Hauler Exemption Bill, was sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
This bill permits licensed milk haulers to operate even when commercial vehicle travel bans are in place due to weather-related or emergency declarations. It allows milk transportation vehicles to travel on highways at any time, provided they display a decal issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Board.
“The dairy industry operates around the clock, and cows don’t stop producing milk because of bad weather,” stated Ward. “This legislation ensures that our dairy farmers can get their product to market without unnecessary delays, preventing waste and supporting our agricultural economy.”
The bill addresses issues raised by dairy producers who have previously had to discard milk due to transportation restrictions during emergencies. By allowing milk haulers to evaluate road conditions and make informed decisions, the legislation seeks to balance public safety with the needs of the dairy industry.
Senate Bill 481 received bipartisan support and will now be considered by the House of Representatives.
Residents interested in updates about legislation and activities in the 30th Senate District can follow Ward on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and X (Twitter) @SenatorJWard. Additional contact information for her district offices is available on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, where constituents can also subscribe to her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
For further inquiries, contact Nathan Akers at 717-787-2421.
