Constitutional amendment to remove authority to fund state police for traffic control from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Impact
If enacted, SB 59 would significantly alter the existing funding relationship between the Transportation Trust Fund and state police operations. It would restrict the application of these funds specifically to infrastructure projects and maintenance, potentially impacting the operational budget available for state police traffic control functions. By specifying the allocation of resources, the amendment aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding how transportation funds are utilized, which advocates believe is necessary for effective resource management within the state.
Summary
Senate Bill 59 proposes a constitutional amendment to remove the authority to allocate funds from the Transportation Trust Fund for state police traffic control purposes. The amendment seeks to clarify the use of the Transportation Trust Fund by ensuring that its resources are solely dedicated to the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure such as roads, bridges, ports, and airports, rather than for law enforcement activities. This proposal has been positioned as an essential step in refining the purpose of the fund to better serve infrastructure needs directly associated with transportation.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 59 appears to be largely supportive among advocates of improved transportation infrastructure funding, who argue that clearer stipulations on funding allocations will lead to greater efficiency and purposefulness in spending taxpayer dollars. However, opposition may arise from those who believe that adequate funding for traffic control is critical for public safety. The debate reflects broader discussions about budgeting priorities within state governance and the need to balance infrastructure needs with law enforcement funding.
Contention
A notable point of contention in the discussions around SB 59 pertains to the potential consequences of limiting the funding for state police. Critics argue that removing traffic control funding could undermine law enforcement's ability to maintain road safety effectively. In contrast, proponents emphasize a commitment to prioritizing physical infrastructure over law enforcement costs, suggesting that this decision will ultimately benefit the public by ensuring better roads and maintenance. This tension highlights the competing interests of public safety versus dedicated infrastructure funding, framing the bill within a larger context of state budgeting and priorities.
Constitutional amendment to remove authority to fund state police for traffic control from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (RE NO IMPACT SD EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to remove authority to fund state police for traffic control from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3 - CA13s1(A)) (OR NO IMPACT See Note)
Constitutional amendment to provide, beginning Fiscal Year 2016-2017, for certain dedications from the Transportation Trust Fund. (2/3-CA13s1(A)) (OR INCREASE GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Transportation Trust Fund monies from being used by state police for traffic control purposes and limits annual appropriations to other transportation programs (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Requires a certain portion of the monies in the Transportation Trust Fund to be used on certain projects (OR SEE FISC NOTE SD EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Dept. of Transportation and Development from using Transportation Trust Fund monies for certain expenses (OR +$54,690,000 GF EX See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Prohibits Dept. of Transportation and Development from using Transportation Trust Fund monies for benefits for retired employees (OR +$8,220,000 GF EX See Note)
Constitutional amendment to rename the Budget Stabilization Fund to the Budget and Transportation Stabilization Trust and to provide for use of monies in the fund. (2/3s CA 13s 1 (A)) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD RV See Note)