ALBANY, N.Y. --- The New York State Senate is considering legislation that would impose security-related mandates on truck rental companies.

Sen. Michael Balboni originally introduced SB 4495 in May 2005. Since then, the bill has been amended and reintroduced to reflect changes in the law. A timeline for consideration is uncertain at this time.

The bill would require five things from companies that rent vans, trucks or trailers. First, they would have to register with the state. Records would have to be maintained for a period of two years. All customers would be required to present a driver’s license and one additional form of identification. "Meaningful assurances" would have to be made to verify customers’ identification. Lastly, rental agreements would need to disclose that possibility that customers’ names could be checked against terrorist watch lists.

According to the bill, the New York Office of Homeland Security would have to develop and promote a best practices guide for truck rental companies operating in the state. Sen. Balboni is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.

The Truck Renting and Leasing Association has concerns about legislation that would impose a state-by-state mélange of varying security standards and mandates on the interstate operations of truck renting and leasing companies. TRALA shared with Sen. Balboni’s office actions already taken by the industry in cooperation with the federal government. Initiatives include the publication and distribution of Safeguarding America’s Transportation System – A security Guide for Truck Rental Company Employees, and the Truck Renting and Leasing Security Awareness and Self-Assessment Guide.