Pennsylvania lawmakers have proposed new legislation that would allow truckers hauling milk to keep operating during winter weather-related truck travel bans.

The Milk Hauler Exemption Bill (Senate Bill 481) was introduced by State Senators Judy Ward and Gene Yaw.

If passed, the bill would allow licensed milk haulers to operate during weather-related commercial vehicle travel bans and emergency declarations issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

PennDOT issues commercial vehicle travel restrictions due to weather several times each winter.

“Under the bill, milk transportation vehicles are permitted to move on highways 24 hours a day, seven days a week during such restrictions, provided they display a one-time decal issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Board,” Ward said in a news release.

The bill was written following complaints from the Pennsylvania dairy industry about having to discard loads of milk due to PennDOT truck travel bans. Legislators say that milk haulers should be afforded the freedom to “assess road conditions and make informed decisions” about whether to operate during winter weather.

“The dairy industry operates around the clock, and cows don’t stop producing milk because of bad weather,” said 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 Milk Hauler Exemption Bill passed through the Senate and is now under consideration in the House.