The bills allocating revenues to the TIME-21 Fund (House File 2691 and Senate File 2420) passed out of their respective Ways and Means committees this week. The bills are now identical, increase motor vehicle and trailer registration and title fees, and convert the current motor vehicle use tax to a constitutionally protected new vehicle registration fee. If the forward movement of the legislation continues, floor debate in the House and Senate could occur early next week. The 2008 legislative session may wrap up at the end of the week.

Iowa DOT Director Nancy Richardson said, “While the amount of funding to be generated through this legislation is less than the $200 million annually requested, it is a very positive step in addressing the growing problem of Iowa’s aging and deteriorating roads and bridges.”