Iowa House Bill HF66

Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

A bill for an act requiring the construction and maintenance of rumble strips on certain highways.

Impact

This legislation directly impacts state laws regarding road safety and infrastructure maintenance. It places the responsibility of installing and maintaining rumble strips on local governmental entities, thus integrating this safety measure into the broader framework of traffic regulations. Funding for the compliance with this state mandate will come from road-use tax funds allocated to the political subdivisions, signifying a shift of financial responsibility while avoiding additional state funding requirements.

Summary

House File 66 mandates the construction and maintenance of rumble strips on certain highways, specifically in advance of traffic-control signals and stop signs on highways where jurisdiction falls under governmental entities. Rumble strips are designed to alert drivers to upcoming road conditions, thereby enhancing safety. The bill stipulates that these rumble strips must be installed where highways intersect primary highways, with some exceptions including unpaved roads, areas within incorporated cities, and locations near residences where speed limits are less than fifty-five miles per hour.

Contention

Despite its intended safety benefits, the bill may raise concerns among local governments regarding the financial implications of enforcing the mandate. There may be debates surrounding the adequacy of funding from road use tax revenues for the implementation of rumble strips, especially in areas that may have budget constraints. Moreover, there could be discussions over the practical challenges of managing maintenance while balancing the needs of local road safety initiatives with state mandates.