HB 1461 / Chamber Supports
House Bill 1461, authored by Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie), is a wide-ranging road funding bill that has advanced from the Senate Appropriations Committee with significant changes – including a 125% increase in registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles. The amendment, offered by Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown), also addresses low water crossing projects, increases the speed limit on I-465 and removes language that would allow local officials to levy property tax funds to bond for road improvements.
The Indiana Chamber supports the bill’s broader focus on improving funding mechanisms and local infrastructure efficiency but opposes the registration fee hike, which would make Indiana’s electric vehicle costs the second highest in the country. The Chamber is also concerned about an amendment from Sen. Aaron Freeman (R-Indianapolis) that would limit public-private partnerships on infrastructure projects and remove language related to tolling. While the bill is expected to pass, the Chamber warns that recent additions could undermine its original intent and urges lawmakers to remove controversial language before conference committee becomes necessary.
