State Watch – February 2024

Included in this issue’s State Watch, you will find the Political Playbook on pages 44-51.

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.

California

California lawmakers acted to approve sending a proposed constitutional amendment to voters about whether to amend the state constitution to ease the two-thirds majority threshold for passage of local general obligation bonds and special taxes.

Passage of ACA1 allows voters to decide in November whether to lower the threshold to 55% for local general obligation bonds and special taxes, when proposed specifically for the construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation or replacement of public infrastructure in a city, county or special district. Improvement to transit and streets and highways is included in the public infrastructure classification.

Florida

A Florida bill would revise left lane rules for all highway users.

Statute prohibits travelers from driving in the furthermost left-hand lane “if the driver knows, or reasonably should know,” that he or she is being overtaken by a driver traveling at a higher rate of speed.

The rule applies to all travelers, even if they are driving the posted speed limit when the overtaking vehicle attempts to pass.

Large trucks also are prohibited from traveling in the far left-hand lane along rural stretches of interstate with at least three lanes in one direction.

HB317 would forbid any vehicle from continuous operation in the far left-hand lane of roadways posted at least 65 mph.

Missouri

Multiple bills at the Missouri statehouse are touted to provide some fuel tax relief.

A 2021 law increased the state’s 17-cent fuel tax rate by 12.5 cents to 29.5 cents over five years. The rule includes a fuel tax rebate program for Missouri owners of vehicles weighing up to 26,000 pounds.

Two bills, SB1027 and SB1214, include provisions to allow Missouri-based truck operations to take advantage of the refund.

Another bill, SB953, simply would repeal the fuel tax increases and return the rate for gas and diesel to 17 cents.

New York

The state of New York requires travelers to exercise due care and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles, hazard vehicles and vehicles displaying a blue or green light.

A new law expands the state’s move-over rule to include all vehicles parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder of a parkway or controlled-access highway.

Effective in March, vehicle operators will be required to safely move over for any vehicle on the shoulder, if possible, or to slow down.

Pennsylvania

A new Pennsylvania law authorizes the continued use of an automated ticket enforcement program along U.S. 1 in Philadelphia. The speed ticket camera program had a December 2023 sunset date.

Additionally, HB1284 permits speed ticket cameras to be installed on up to five more “dangerous corridors” in the city. The lone requirement will be approval by city ordinance and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Another provision makes permanent the state’s speed ticket camera program for active work zones.

Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Senate has voted to advance a bill that would require the state to establish and administer a commercial driver training grant program.

SB271 specifies that a CDL training provider must satisfy entry-level driver training requirements established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The bill limits grant amounts to up to 50% of training costs or $3,000, whichever is less, for each individual trained.

Eligible CDL training providers located and conducting training in Wisconsin could apply for a grant. Training providers would be required to train individuals who reside in and will obtain their CDL in the state.

Wyoming

One Wyoming bill would allow CDL holders between ages 18 and 20 to receive a hazardous materials endorsement to transport hazmat within the state. HB8 can be considered during the budget session that convenes Feb. 12. LL