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House approves one‑year cut to transportation earmark to free $113 million for building projects
Summary
Rep. Rebecca Lockhart said the House will temporarily reduce the transportation earmark from 8.3% to 1.93% for one fiscal year to free $113 million in cash to pay for building projects; the earmark is slated to return to 8.3% the following year. The measure passed the House.
On March 10 the House approved House Bill 438, a transportation‑modifications measure the sponsor said is intended to address cash flow for building projects. Representative Rebecca Lockhart explained that the statute had previously earmarked 8.3% of sales tax revenue for transportation. For one fiscal year HB438 reduces that earmark to 1.93% to free approximately $113,000,000 in cash to pay buildings costs; Lockhart said the percentage reverts to 8.3% the following year.
Floor questions focused on what would happen if sales‑tax revenue exceeded the target in that fiscal year. The sponsor said any amount in excess of the $113 million targeted for buildings would be deposited into the general fund unless future legislation changed the 8.3% earmark. The House adopted the motion to lift HB438 from the rules, debated the measure and recorded final passage (64 yes, 3 no).
The change is explicitly temporary (one fiscal year) and was presented as a cash‑flow maneuver to match construction obligations the Legislature has already approved. Lawmakers and fiscal staff clarified mechanics and the sponsor emphasized the intent to return full earmark levels after the fiscal year ends.
