2008 legislative session convenes

Dec. 19, 2007, TIME-21 Transportation
Funding Study Committee minutes

Co-chairpersons: Senator Thomas Rielly and Representative Geri Huser

Overview: The TIME-21 Transportation Funding Study Committee is charged with addressing the funding needs of the Transportation Investment Moves the Economy in the Twenty-first Century (TIME-21) Fund created in 2007 Iowa Acts, ch. 200 (H.F. 932), for funding of roads and highways. This was the committee's third and last meeting.

Caucus report on submitted proposal. A member from each caucus from the Senate and House of Representatives reported on the reception by the appropriate caucus of the committee's proposal of the last meeting, which was based upon the Associated General Contractors of Iowa's proposal. The general result was disfavor for an increase in the fuel tax, especially since the governor had expressed his dislike for such an increase, and a lack of consensus in each caucus for the remaining provisions contained in the proposal.

Motions for committee recommendations. Senator Steve Warnstadt made a motion that the provisions contained in the committee proposal be taken to the caucuses, except for the increase in fuel tax, and without any dollar or percentage increases, as the committee's recommendation. This meant, if adopted, that the committee would recommend increased funding from an extension of the registration fees for commercial/agricultural trucks, special trucks, and personal pickup trucks; increases in driver's license fees; increases in trailer registration fees; and an increase in title fees.

Co-chairperson Huser proposed the following two amendments to the original motion:

1. That the General Assembly change the use tax on motor vehicles to a charge at the time of registration in order to make the revenues constitutionally protected
   
   
2. Provide language that authorizes the governor to spend State General Fund moneys to meet road and bridge safety needs in the event of an emergency.

Senator John Putney moved to amend Senator Warnstadt's original motion to strike it and replace it with language recommending that the committee members shall continue to consider all sources of funding, except the fuel tax. It was agreed that Co-chairperson Huser's amendments be considered separately. Senator Putney's amendment was adopted.

Co-chairperson Huser's amendment to make the use tax a part of the registration fee was adopted. Co-chairperson Huser's other amendment to authorize the governor to spend State General Fund moneys for road and bridge safety in emergency situations was withdrawn, and a substitute amendment was proposed that would require the Department of Transportation to research the authority of the governor and Executive Council to utilize or spend State General Fund moneys for road and bridge purposes in emergency situations. This proposal was adopted.

Recommendations. The committee concluded its work after making the following recommendations.

• The members of the committee would continue to consider all revenue sources, except the fuel tax, for the funding of the TIME-21 Fund.
  
  
• The General Assembly should change the use tax on motor vehicles to a charge at the time of registration of the motor vehicle, so as to make the revenues constitutionally protected.
  
  
• The Department of Transportation shall research the authority of the governor and Executive Council to utilize or spend General Fund of the State moneys for road and bridge purposes in emergency situations.

Internet page:
http://www.legis.state.ia.us/aspx/Committees/Committee.aspx?id=210