What does Preamble of HR 7539 do?

This bill directs the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to conduct a study on chameleon carriers in the United States. The bill also requires the Administrator to plan, develop, and test an advanced automation tool. This tool is intended to assist enforcement personnel in detecting chameleon carrier applications during the Department of Transportation's registration process.

What does SHORT TITLE. of HR 7539 do?

This bill is formally titled the Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement Act.

What does REPORT ON CHAMELEON CARRIERS. of HR 7539 do?

This section mandates a report on 'chameleon carriers' on United States roadways. The Comptroller General of the United States must submit this report to Congress within one year of the Act's enactment. The report must include an estimated number of chameleon carriers, their prevalence since a 2012 GAO report, and associated fatalities, serious injuries, and property damage. The report will analyze methods used by chameleon carriers to evade enforcement and identify shortcomings in the Department of Transportation's (DOT) monitoring and enforcement capabilities. The DOT may also include other relevant priorities and legislative recommendations in the report. The Comptroller General is authorized to collaborate with various entities, including federal agencies, state and local governments, and private sector entities, to conduct the study.

What does ADVANCED AUTOMATION TOOL. of HR 7539 do?

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to develop, test, and implement an advanced automation tool to detect 'chameleon carrier' applications. The tool must include the ability to detect characteristics supporting substantial continuity between entities, such as common ownership, addresses, or insurance policies. The FMCSA Administrator may collaborate with other federal agencies, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, and the private sector in developing the tool. The tool must provide automated decision support for registration applications, but final determinations remain with FMCSA employees. Applicants denied a Department of Transportation number due to the tool's flag will have an appeals process with a 30-day redetermination timeframe. Within 30 days of enactment, the Administrator must brief congressional committees on chameleon carriers and related efforts. The tool's data usage is restricted to purposes described in the section, ensuring data privacy. Two years after implementation, the Department of Transportation's Inspector General will submit a report to Congress assessing the tool's effectiveness, including empirical data and recommendations.

What does DEFINITION OF CHAMELEON CARRIER. of HR 7539 do?

This section defines the term 'chameleon carrier' within the Act. A chameleon carrier is a motor carrier, intermodal equipment provider, broker, freight forwarder, or an affiliated party thereof. The definition applies to entities that have operated or attempted to operate under a new identity to avoid regulatory compliance. Actions that trigger the definition include avoiding orders, requirements, penalties, enforcement actions, negative compliance history, and increased insurance costs. Misrepresenting ownership or operational continuity to obtain favorable insurance terms also falls under this definition. Reconstituting a carrier entity after insurance policy denial, nonrenewal, or cancellation due to safety or compliance issues is included.

Back to bills

SAFE Act — HR. 7539

Last updated: 2/12/2026 · Introduced: 2/12/2026

Author: Harriet Hageman (R-WY)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill requires a report from the Comptroller General to Congress estimating the number of 'chameleon carriers' operating in the U.S., analyzing their methods of evasion, and identifying shortcomings in DOT enforcement.
The bill directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to develop and implement an automated tool to detect 'chameleon carrier' applications by identifying characteristics of substantial continuity between entities.
The bill defines 'chameleon carrier' as an entity that operates under a new identity to avoid regulatory compliance, penalties, or increased insurance costs.

119th Congressin committeeS. 2612(In Committee)Official page

Verified Votes

No verified votes yet.

Community Votes

No community votes yet. Be the first!

Voting as guest · Sign in for verified votes

Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 3 more.

5 sections

Click "Show details" to explore individual sections. Use the community vote above or visit All Sections to vote per section.

Read official text

Want the full experience?

Create a free account to cast verified votes on each section, get a personalized summary, and track your voting history.

Create Free Account