Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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This joint resolution of the General Assembly makes several provisions regarding transportation funding including: 1) the 4th penny of state sales and use tax will be dedicated to transportation; 2) bond money will include annually $300 million for transportation funding: 3) 25 percent of increased revenues will be dedicated to transportation; 4) DOT is required to rank and prioritize all pending projects according to safety, critical infrastructure repair, and traffic relief. The ultimate effect of this resolution depends on how it is passed. If it is simply read once and adopted in each chamber, it will merely express the desire of the General Assembly. If it is read three times and adopted with the formalities of a general bill, it will have the force and effect of law. In that event, items 1, 2, and 3 above will still be aspirational only as the General Assembly can only bind itself by constitutional amendment. Item 4 will have the effect of a general law however and be binding on DOT. |