HB 1461 / Chamber Supports
The House Ways and Means Committee recently heard House Bill 1461, focused on enhancing funding for state and local road and bridge projects. Representative Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), the bill’s author, explained that the bill modifies the existing Community Crossings Matching Grant program by capping the total annual funding at $200 million, split evenly across two tiers. The bill also directs funds in excess of the cap to the state for railroad crossing upgrades in FY26 and then to state highways for each succeeding fiscal year. Notably, the bill requires local governments to adopt a wheel tax to remain eligible for these funds, a condition that sparked debate among committee members.
The measure also includes language that modifies toll lane provisions from the 2017 road funding bill, granting the Governor broader authority to seek federal waivers for tolling.
Several amendments were proposed, addressing issues like toll exclusions for certain counties and adjustments to vehicle excise tax brackets, but most failed. The bill ultimately passed out of committee on a 14-9 vote, with several members noting concerns about specific provisions and expressing hope for further revisions on the House floor.
