Oklahoma 2023 1st Special Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1025

Introduced
5/17/23  
Refer
5/18/23  
Report Pass
5/23/23  
Engrossed
5/24/23  
Enrolled
5/26/23  

Caption

Transportation; Rural Economic Transportation Reliability and Optimization Fund; modifying population limitation; effective date.

Impact

The bill highlights the need for effective transport infrastructure in rural Oklahoma, where growth in traffic has created safety concerns. By modifying the population limitation, HB1025 aims to reinforce the Department of Transportation’s ability to address these issues proactively. The fund will be used to prioritize construction, repair, and maintenance of state highways, with the potential for funds covering up to fifty percent of project costs. This initiative reflects a commitment to improving and optimizing transportation in regions where economic expansion has strained current infrastructure significantly.

Summary

House Bill 1025, known as the Rural Economic Transportation Reliability and Optimization Act, seeks to amend existing laws governing the Rural Economic Transportation Reliability and Optimization Fund in Oklahoma. The amendments expand the scope of the fund to include counties with populations under seventy-five thousand, allowing for a greater allocation of resources to rural areas facing significant increases in traffic due to economic development. The legislation emphasizes ensuring that any appropriated funds enhance, rather than supplant, existing state transportation funding, which is critical for maintaining highway safety and circulation in these areas.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB1025 appears supportive among legislators who recognize the importance of addressing rural infrastructure needs. However, there remains apprehension regarding the implementation and oversight of the fund to prevent misuse of funds intended for transportation enhancements. Supporters highlight the necessity of improving transportation safety as an essential component of fostering economic growth in rural areas, while some critics may be concerned about potential bureaucratic delays in fund distribution or lack of clarity in how the funds are allocated.

Contention

Key points of contention focus on the bill's language regarding the enhancement and not supplantiation of existing funding. Some legislators may argue that a lack of stringent guidelines and oversight could lead to mismanagement or decreased overall state funding for transportation. Additionally, stakeholders may debate the impact of these changes on urban areas, fearing that the focus on rural funding could detract from urban transportation needs. Balancing resources between urban and rural areas will be crucial for ensuring that all citizens benefit from the state's transportation enhancements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2352

Transportation; creating the Oklahoma Rural Highway Improvements for Safety Act; Construction Work Plan; effective date.

OK SB527

School funding; increasing the transportation factor; modifying grade level and category weights. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2752

Transportation; modifying definitions; modifying actions for pedestrians when presented certain instructions; effective date.

OK SB773

Transportation; modifying the Oklahoma Advanced Mobility Pilot Program; creating the Oklahoma Advanced Air Mobility Revolving Fund. Effective dates.

OK HB2605

Transportation; Vehicle License and Registration Act collections; modifying certain apportionment in future fiscal years; effective date.

OK HB1464

Transportation; creating the Transportation Modernization Act; effective date.

OK HB1481

Oklahoma Department of Transportation; modifying makeup of the Commission; modifying appointment process; effective date.

OK HB2508

Revenue and taxation; income tax; apportionment; County Community Safety Investment Fund; Rural Economic Action Plan; Rural Economic Action Plan Supplemental Revenue Revolving Fund; effective date; emergency.

OK SB112

State Aid Formula; weighted pupil category; English language learner; amending the transportation factor. Effective date. Emergency.

OK HB2791

Transportation; outdoor advertising definitions; defining term; effective date.

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