Lawmaker wants trucks under cover

Since 2001, Arkansas State Senator Kim Hendren has pushed for legislation to require sand and gravel haulers to cover loads with tarps—and the persistent Republican from Gravette, Ark., introduced it again during the 2009 session. “In some of our neighboring states, it’s the law, and up near where I live I see loaded trucks cover up as they approach Missouri or Oklahoma,” says Hendren. Senate Bill 124’s biggest opponent is the Arkansas County Judges Association, which claims that “many counties don’t have the money to buy the tarp systems needed,” according to Madison County Judge Wes Fowler. For more information on the bill, visit the Arkansas Web site bill tracker at www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Pages/Home.aspx, and enter Senate Bill 124.