New regs for Friday: Butterflies, trucks, prisoners

Friday’s edition of the Federal Register contains new protections for threatened butterflies, drug and alcohol testing requirements for truck drivers and contraband rules for prisoners.

Here’s what is happening:

Butterflies: The Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is proposing new protections for certain butterflies.

The FWS intends to reintroduce the Oregon silver spot butterfly into the wild. This butterfly is already listed as a threatened species.

The public has 60 days to comment.

Trucks: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is updating the drug and alcohol testing guidelines for truck drivers.

While many trucking companies conduct drug and alcohol testing on their drivers, the FMCSA will allow staffing agencies to test the temporary drivers they supply for less than a month.

“Commercial driver staffing agencies supply the motor carrier industry with intermittent, casual, or occasional drivers to help meet industry business demands,” the FMCSA said. “The staffing agency directly employs the driver, and pays the driver’s wages and employment taxes.” 

The guidelines go into effect immediately.

Prison: The Department of Justice (DOJ) is moving forward with new rules for prisoners.

The DOJ’s Bureau of Prisons announced Thursday new contraband regulations for inmates. The rules are intended to “ensure the safety, security, or good order” of the prison.

The rule goes into effect in 30 days.

This story was updated at 11:26 p.m.