Bills · HR 6884
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6884Transportation and Public Works
Patrick and Barbara Kowalski Freight Brokers Safety Act
INTRO DEC 18· LAST ACTION DEC 18
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
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- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it aims to improve road safety by placing more responsibility on freight brokers for the safety of the carriers they use. Currently, some argue there's a loophole where brokers might prioritize cost over safety when selecting carriers, as they don't directly face consequences for a carrier's poor safety record.
If this bill becomes law, freight brokers would have a stronger incentive to vet trucking companies thoroughly, potentially leading to fewer unsafe trucks and drivers on the road and a decrease in traffic accidents. If it doesn't pass, the current system continues, where brokers may face less direct accountability for the safety performance of the carriers they contract, and there might be fewer resources dedicated from penalties specifically to roadway safety projects.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a civil penalty for freight brokers that contract with a "specified transportation company" (an unsafe carrier).
This creates a direct financial consequence for brokers who do not adequately vet the safety records of the carriers they hire.
PROVISION 02
Defines a "specified transportation company" as one with 3+ DOT violations or that employs a driver with 3+ DOT violations in the past 5 years.
This clearly defines what constitutes an 'unsafe carrier' that brokers should avoid contracting with.
PROVISION 03
Allows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to investigate freight brokers after fatal crashes involving carriers they hired.
This grants authorities the power to scrutinize broker behavior when serious accidents occur, beyond just the carrier involved.
PROVISION 04
Permits the FMCSA to impose additional safety requirements on a broker found to have acted with "egregious disregard for safety" during an investigation.
This allows for specific corrective actions against brokers who demonstrate severe negligence in their hiring practices.
PROVISION 05
Directs collected penalties to the Highway Trust Fund for use in roadway safety projects without requiring further appropriation.
This provides a dedicated and immediate funding source for road safety improvements, linking penalties directly to their safety purpose.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Michigan
YRS IN OFFICE
11
BILLS LED
49
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSDEC 18
Introduced in House
DEC 18
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 6884
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedDec 18, 2025
Last actionDec 18, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED DEC 18, 2025
House BillHR 6884Transportation and Public Works
Patrick and Barbara Kowalski Freight Brokers Safety Act
INTRODUCED DEC 18, 2025· LAST ACTION DEC 18, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
2 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
