State Watch – February 2023

Included in this issue’s State Watch you will find the Grassroots Guide on Page 38. The directory is your reference guide for tracking federal, state and local issues important to you.

Here, Land Line rounds up some recent actions at statehouses.

For a complete rundown of state legislation, visit LandLine.Media.

Missouri

Two Senate measures would tap state surplus revenue to expand Interstate 70 from Kansas City to St. Louis. The plan calls for widening the roadway to four lanes in each direction.

The east-west highway linking the state’s two largest metropolitan areas is mostly two lanes in both directions.

SB317 and SJR9 would allot 2% of net general revenue collections annually for the project. Any money in the general revenue fund exceeding $4 billion, but not to exceed $1.5 billion, also would be applied for the work.

The requirements would sunset in 10 years.

SB317 requires legislative approval to take effect. SJR9 would leave the decision to voters.

Montana

A Senate bill would tap electric and hybrid vehicles to help cover costs for road upkeep and construction.

SB60 calls for electric vehicles under 6,000 pounds to be charged $130. Affected vehicles between 6,000 pounds and 26,000 pounds would be charged $190 and $340. Electric trucks in excess of 26,000 pounds would pay $1,100 annually.

The fee amounts for hybrid vehicles would range from $70 for vehicles under 6,000 pounds to $700 for vehicles in excess of 26,000 pounds.

New Jersey

An Assembly bill is intended to aid efforts to increase truck parking.

A5003 would require the New Jersey DOT to implement a highway safety program for increased commercial vehicle parking.

The bill would appropriate $50 million for additional safe parking zones on, along, or near federal aid highways.

The appropriation would come from a portion of the funds allocated to the state from to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

South Carolina

One Senate bill would increase the fine for left lane violations.

State law applies the left lane rule to situations on highways with at least two lanes when a vehicle is traveling behind a slower-moving vehicle. Fines are $25.

Commercial drivers are exempt from the rule when they are unable to move into the right lane safely due to other vehicles overtaking or passing the truck on the right, or when a truck’s driver is unable to move into the right lane safely due to a highway grade or other vehicles overtaking or passing the truck on the right.

S304 would increase the fine amount from $25 to $100.

A separate effort addresses concern about slow-moving traffic on the state’s fastest highways.

Statute prohibits slow-moving vehicles from impeding “the normal and reasonable movement” of traffic. Exceptions are made for when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

H3364 would raise the minimum speed limit along the state’s interstates. Specifically, the bill reads that along highways with a maximum posted speed of 70 mph the minimum speed would be 50 mph – up from 45 mph.

Texas

Two bills would open the door to local law enforcement in the Houston area enforcing commercial vehicle safety standards.

Currently, the Texas Department of Public Safety is solely responsible for enforcing overweight rules. Certain exceptions are made for select counties and cities. Overweight fines range from $100 to $10,000, depending on how many pounds the truck is overweight.

SB323 would authorize the sheriff’s department in Waller County to enforce truck rules.

HB1096 would give the Fort Bend County Constable’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office the same authorization.

One House bill, HB177 would void red-light contracts that remain in effect throughout the state.

A 2019 state law prohibits cities from using photo systems to fine drivers for running red lights.

The rule change took effect immediately. However, a provision was included allowing cities to continue ticket system contracts until they expire.

Utah

A Senate bill covers road safety during winter weather.

SB27 would prohibit drivers from passing snowplows on the side where the snowplow blade is deployed.

Drivers would also be forbidden from passing on the right or the left when two or more snowplows are operating in echelon formation.

Additionally, vehicles would be required to move over to avoid a vehicle stopped along the roadside. LL