State Watch – August/September 2024
The majority of state legislatures have wrapped up their work for this calendar year. Here’s our end-of-summer review of bills you found of interest. It’s a roundup of items that governors signed into law in recent weeks and other actions.
For a complete rundown of state legislation, visit LandLine.media.
California
A California bill nearing passage addresses concern about autonomous trucks.
AB2286 would prohibit autonomous vehicle operation with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds for testing purposes, transporting goods or transporting passengers without a “human safety operator physically present” in the vehicle during operation.
Colorado
In Colorado, a new law legalizes lane filtering.
Previously SB79, the new law authorizes a motorcycle to pass another vehicle in the same lane if traffic is stopped and the motorcycle is moving at 15 mph or less.
The maneuver is forbidden on the right shoulder or in a lane of traffic moving in the opposite direction. A clarification is included that the move is forbidden once vehicles being overtaken or passed begin moving.
Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has signed into law a bill that addresses how vehicle-related taxes and fees can be used.
Currently, a minimum of 15% of all state revenue annually are committed by the Florida DOT for public transportation projects. However, there is no cap on the maximum amount that can be directed to transit work.
HB287 places a cap of 20% on revenue from state fuel taxes and motor vehicle license-related fees that can be applied for public transit projects.
Louisiana
A new Louisiana law covers optional equipment on commercial vehicles that is not required by state or federal law. HB785 states there is no duty to have optional equipment that is not required by law.
A person who owns, operates or leases a truck would not be liable for failure to install optional equipment. Absence of optional equipment also would not be admissible to establish an owner’s negligence.
Minnesota
Money for additional truck parking has been approved in Minnesota.
Included as part of a massive spending bill signed into law, $7.75 million is allotted in fiscal year 2025 for construction and expansion of truck parking off Interstate 94. The locations identified are the Big Spunk Lake Rest Area in Avon and the Enfield Rest Area.
Another $4.8 million is allotted for “one or more truck parking safety projects” for the trunk highway system. Each truck parking safety project is required to expand truck parking availability in the Minneapolis and St. Paul area.
New Jersey
In New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy has signed into law a bill to permit reciprocity agreements with states and other tolling authorities to recoup lost revenue from nonpaying out-of-state drivers.
New Jersey tolling authorities could opt to have the state DOT work on their behalf to collect unpaid tolls.
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Senate voted to approve a non-binding resolution that urges the U.S. Congress to “pursue legislative remedies” that allow individuals between 18 and 20 years old with CDLs to haul interstate.
Tennessee
A new Tennessee law includes comprehensive reforms to protect truck drivers and motorists from predatory towing practices.
Previously SB1692/HB1731, the new law limits booting to commercial lots. Another provision makes it illegal to boot or use a device to immobilize any truck and trailer that is clearly identified as a commercial vehicle with a USDOT number or with a commercial license plate.
Utah
In Utah, a new law creates a definition for road rage in statute.
HB30 defines “road rage events” as a criminal action by an operator of a vehicle in response to an incident that occurs or escalates upon a roadway, with the intent to endanger or intimidate an individual in another vehicle.
In addition to possible jail time, police would have the option to seize and take possession of a vehicle without a warrant. Additionally, a judge would have the option to suspend the offender’s driver’s license. LL