Providing for Public Transportation Trust Fund transfers and increases; establishing the Road and Bridge Project Fund and the Road and Bridge Project Sinking Fund; authorizing the Commonwealth Financing Authority to issue bonds for road and bridge projects; providing for allocation adjustment; establishing the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission; and imposing duties on the Department of Transportation.
Impact
The legislation is poised to significantly alter the landscape of state transportation funding. By designating specific percentages of tax revenues to the Public Transportation Trust Fund, the bill will ensure that there are more reliable, dedicated funds available for transportation services throughout Pennsylvania. The creation of the Transportation Funding Advisory Commission under this bill will encourage a strategic approach to identifying potential revenue sources and cost savings, ultimately leading to better resource allocation for transportation needs.
Summary
House Bill 1364, known as the Public Transportation Trust Fund Transfer and Increase Act, aims to improve funding and support for transportation infrastructure in Pennsylvania. The bill establishes the Road and Bridge Project Fund and the Road and Bridge Project Sinking Fund, which are intended to facilitate the construction, reconstruction, maintenance, and repair of roads and bridges. Through this act, a portion of funds collected under the state's Tax Reform Code will be directed towards these projects, thereby enhancing the state's overall transportation funding infrastructure.
Sentiment
Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1364 appears to be positive, especially among those looking to address the pressing infrastructure issues affecting the state's transportation system. Advocates argue that proper funding is crucial for ensuring public safety and developing a robust transportation network. However, there may also exist some concerns regarding the adequacy of funding levels and the effectiveness of the governance structure established by the Commission. Stakeholders will likely continue to debate the effectiveness and oversight of these funds.
Contention
Some potential points of contention may arise from how the funds are allocated and managed following the implementation of the bill. While the intention is to centralize and streamline transportation funding, critics might argue about the effective oversight of the authority managing the funds. Additionally, the reliance on taxation adjustments to fund transportation projects raises ongoing discussions about fiscal responsibility and the sustainability of transportation funding in the long term.
Providing for Public Transit Security Grant Program; establishing the Public Transit Security Grant Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Transportation.
In transportation network companies, further providing for impoundment of vehicles, repealing provisions relating to assessment and providing for payment of assessment; in taxation for public transportation, further providing for local financial support; in fees, further providing for fee for local use; and imposing duties on the Department of Revenue and the Department of Transportation.
Establishing the Near Zero Emission Truck Incentive Program and the Near Zero Emission Truck Incentive Fund; and providing for the powers and duties of the Department of Transportation.
Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.
Providing for public health protections related to hydraulic fracturing infrastructure; imposing duties on Department of Health and Department of Environmental Protection; and establishing the Oil and Natural Gas Public Health Registry Fund.
Providing for electronic waste recycling; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; establishing the Advisory Committee on Electronic Waste Recycling; and imposing penalties.
Providing for reimbursement of Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls for certain companies; establishing the Pennsylvania Turnpike-to-Port Freight Reimbursement Fund; providing for duties of the Department of Transportation; and imposing penalties.
Providing for unfair trade practices and for protection of whistleblowers; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Attorney General; establishing the Price-Fixing Consumer Protection Fund; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.
Providing for restrictions on the sale and application of high-PAH sealants; establishing the Safer Sealant Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; authorizing certain municipal ordinances; and imposing penalties.
Establishing the Near Zero Emission Truck Incentive Program and the Near Zero Emission Truck Incentive Fund; and providing for the powers and duties of the Department of Transportation.
Establishing the Near Zero Emission Truck Incentive Program and the Near Zero Emission Truck Incentive Fund; and providing for the powers and duties of the Department of Transportation.
Establishing the Electric School Bus Grant Program and the Electric School Bus Grant Program Fund; providing for duties of the Department of Education; and making an appropriation.
Establishing the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission and the Pennsylvania-Ireland Trade Commission Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; providing for the Entertainment Economic Enhancement Program;
In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for kindergartens; in pupils and attendance, further providing for age limits and temporary residence, for definitions and for when provided; and providing for full-day kindergarten.