Legislative Update - Week 4

The big transportation news this past week was that Governor Kitzhaber named former Chair of Clackamas County Board of Commissioners, Lynn Peterson, "sustainable communities and transportation policy adviser." It's too early to know in concrete terms what this appointment will mean, however.

What's new?

Senate Bill 846 would regulate standards for bicycle trailers. BikePortland reports there's not a lot of support behind it.

On Monday hearings on local control for speed limits are scheduled. (Details below.)

Bills Specifically about Bicycling

Senate Bill 130 for bicycle traffic lights. No action.

Senate Bill 604 will be a gut-n-stuff. No action.

Senate Bill 660 would decrease the "penalty for failure to stop for stop sign to maximum fine of $40 for person operating bicycle." Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee.

House Bill 2331 to study bicycle licensing. Referred to Ways and Means. No action.

House Bill 2332 would create a weight-based schedule of traffic fines. Vehicles that do less damage, like bikes, would be fined less. Referred to Judiciary. No action.

House Bill 2824, creating the crime of altering or removing a stolen bike's serial number. No action

Relevant to Transportation Generally

Senate Bill 266 on electronic tolling. Referred to Business, Transportation and Economic Development Committee. No action.

Senate Bill 344 and House Bill 3150 would permit local jurisdictions to enact a 20mph speed limit on neighborhood streets. They were scheduled for Friday hearings, but they seem to have been postponed to Monday. Note that though I'm treating them together, they have separate hearings and separate processes.

Senate Bill 344:

Monday-February 28
3:00 P.M.
Room: HR B

House Bill 3150:

Monday-February 28
1:00 P.M.
Room: HR D

House Bill 2333 prohibiting studded tires. Referred to Transportation and Economic Development Committee. No action.

House Bill 2437 on school busing. Hearing held.

House Bill 3178 looks like it would encourage transit-oriented development to be funded by tax-increment financing. No action.

House Bill 3186, co-sponsored by Representative Berger, would eliminate the jobs loophole on the texting and cel phone ban. No action.

Proposed Oregon Constitutional Amendment to permit gas taxes to be used for pollution control and congestion reduction. Referred to Revenue Committee. No action.

Dead or Moribund Bills

House Bill 2228 prohibits bike transportation of child under 6 years old.

House Bill 2602, the headphone ban.