What changed

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) released its Q1 2026 federal legislative tracker on February 22, 2026. Eighteen trucking-related bills were introduced or moved through committee during the quarter.

Headline movers: HR 2290 (the Broker Transparency Act, requiring brokers to disclose contracted rates within 48 hours of delivery) advanced past the House Transportation & Infrastructure subcommittee; a companion Senate bill (S 2290) is still pending. HOS reform proposals (extending the 14-hour clock and easing sleeper-berth rules) stalled in subcommittee.

Why this matters

Broker transparency is the highest-leverage near-term policy fight for owner-operators. Current 49 CFR §371 broker-recordkeeping rules require brokers to keep contract documentation for 3 years and provide it to the carrier on request - but enforcement is uneven and many brokers refuse outright. HR 2290 would automate the 48-hour disclosure requirement and add penalties.

HOS reform remains stuck because of conflicting safety-vs-flexibility positions. The 2020 final rule (the most recent significant HOS update) added the split sleeper-berth provision; further changes face entrenched opposition.

State-level developments

OOIDA also flagged 23 state-level bills, mostly around minimum-wage classification of drivers (Prop 22-style fights), parking-shortage funding, and weight/length limit changes. California, Washington, and Oregon led on driver-classification fights; Texas and Florida led on parking-shortage funding.

What to do next

Owner-operators concerned about broker transparency should consider OOIDA membership ($45/year) - the organization is the most effective lobbying voice for small-fleet owner-operators in DC. Member dues fund the legislative tracking and lobbying effort.