Members raise pollinator highway sites, bike‑safety signage and a possible local fuel tax

Several members used the Jan. 6 committee meeting to flag localized, non‑budget policy items the panel may examine this session, including pollinator‑friendly highway sites, bicycle‑safety signage and a proposed local option fuel tax.

Representative Kate Nally asked for a status update on a 2023 grant to establish five to 10 pollinator‑friendly sites along state highways and whether signage and maintenance plans are in place. “We do a lot of mowing on highways, but there's opportunity to stop mowing and allow some of these areas to grow freely with native plants,” Nally said, arguing that the approach could beautify roadsides, help pollinators and reduce mowing costs.

Nally also described a demand in her district for bicycle‑safety signage to remind motorists of the 4‑foot rule and where riders share the roadway. She asked the agency whether previously required signage has been produced and distributed to communities.

Chair Matt Walker relayed Representative Berkey’s idea to study a local option tax on fuel so municipalities could consider an additional local charge; Walker said he had not researched the proposal and does not take a position but will hear presentations on it.

Committee members additionally raised delivery fees (with proposals to route some fees to affected towns) and questions about e‑bike rules as the technology becomes more powerful; those items were noted for future consideration but no proposals were advanced at the Jan. 6 meeting.

The Jan. 6 comments were requests for agency follow-up and information rather than formal policy proposals; the committee did not vote on or adopt any of the items.