More than 60 bills aimed at increasing transportation funding were introduced across 26 states during the first two months of this year, according to new research from ARTBA’s Transportation Investment Advocacy Center (ARTBA-TIAC).
New Mexico’s legislature authorized $1.5 billion in transportation bonds, paired with increases to the state’s weight-distance tax and vehicle registration fees, as well as a new fee for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The bill was signed on Feb. 7 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D).
Nine other bills have advanced beyond their first chamber, including electric vehicle-related fees in New Hampshire, South Dakota and Tennessee; one-time funding related to bonds or appropriations in Georgia, Maryland, and Virginia; and a bill to redirect motor vehicle sales taxes to the transportation fund in Tennessee.
Historically, fewer pieces of legislation are enacted in even-numbered years. Several states hold abbreviated bond or budget sessions, and many lawmakers spend more time in their home districts campaigning for reelection. Four states do not convene legislative sessions during even-numbered years. Additional uncertainty as states await information on federal funding reauthorization may slow down legislative efforts.
View the ARTBA-TIAC State Legislation Dashboard for live updates on the status of pending funding measures and follow the blog for the latest state and local developments.
www.transportationinvestment.org