Regulation

New regs for Monday: Truck drivers, robocalls, labor requirements

Monday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new rules for truck drivers and robocalls, and labor requirements for the development of public housing units.

Here’s what is happening:

Regulatory review: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing its regulations to determine whether there are any outdated rules it can eliminate.

The retrospective review is the first step toward repealing rules that are outdated, ineffective, insufficient or excessively burdensome, the agency noted.

The public has 30 days to comment.

Labor: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is moving forward with new labor requirements for the development of existing housing projects.

Under the Davis-Bacon Act, the prevailing local wages must be paid during the development of public works projects. This would apply to HUD’s public housing units.

The changes go into effect immediately.

Robocalls: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is looking to catch companies that make illegal robocalls.

The FTC will hold a competition where the public analyzes data from illegal robocalls in an attempt to “gain knowledge about their tactics” and upend illegal activities.

Robocalls are automatic calls made to the homes of consumers. 

“Most such calls are illegal, and yet they continue to be prevalent,” the agency wrote.

Truck drivers: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is exempting certain truck drivers from safety requirements.

The FMCSA said Friday it is renewing the vision exemptions for 11 truck drivers, which go into effect on April 6. These truck drivers can oftentimes only see out of only one eye, but the agency believes they can still handle a truck safely.

Meanwhile, the FMCSA is also exempting 69 truck drivers who have insulin-treated diabetes mellitus from rules that would otherwise prohibit them from operating commercial motor vehicles.