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Senator Landseeds presents SJR 14 to extend half‑cent sales tax for roads; DFA estimates ~$293.7M in collections
Summary
SJR 14 would extend a half‑cent sales tax for roads after current bonds retire and require pay‑as‑you‑go language preventing use to secure state highway bonds. DFA estimated roughly $293.7 million in additional annual revenue with distribution about 70% to the highway department and 15% each to cities and counties.
Senator Landseeds introduced SJR 14 to the committee as a measure to continue a half‑cent sales tax for road funding after the existing bond program ends. He said the proposal would step in when the current amendment/bond program expires and move funds to ongoing road maintenance and projects on a pay‑as‑you‑go basis rather than permitting the proceeds to secure state highway bonds.
Paul Gearing of the Department of Finance and Administration presented a fiscal impact statement. "DFA estimates that approximately 293,700,000.0 of revenues would be collected for the half cent sales tax extension," he said, and explained distribution under the highway distribution law would be roughly 70 percent to the highway department and 15 percent each to cities and counties, with an annual estimate of about $205,600,000 to the highway department and about $44,000,000 each to cities and counties.
Senator Gardner said he planned to offer an amendment to add a 10‑year sunset to the amendment to preserve accountability and avoid permanently enshrining a funding stream without periodic legislative review. Gardner said a sunset would compel future review of need and accountability. Landseeds responded that polling showed sufficient public support and that a permanent extension would provide more reliable long‑range planning for transportation projects, while acknowledging the committee could later consider additional protections or amendments.
No votes were taken. Committee members discussed technical drafting details and signaled willingness to consider amendments, including Gardner’s sunset proposal, in future committee work or a public hearing.
