Bill Positions

Bill Number: SB 677

Bill Title: Transportation Trust Fund - Dedicated Highway Funds

Bill Sponsor(s): Sen. Brinkley

Subject: Transportation

Committee: B&T

Bill Summary: This bill proposed an amendment to the Maryland Constitution to establish a Transportation Trust Fund to be used only for purposes relating to transportation with specified exceptions. It would have prohibited the reversion or crediting of any part of the Transportation Trust Fund to the General Fund of the State or to a special fund of the state unless otherwise provided by law.

History: In 2011 this bill died in the Budget & Taxation Committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Support W/Amend

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber supported the passage of legislation to amend the constitution to establish secure protection of the state's Transportation Trust Fund. The Chamber suggested that the constitutionnal amendment legislation include certain general principles that included:.All revenue designated for the TTF be placed in the TTF; No part of TTF may revert or be credited to a special fund or the general fund; 3/5 vote - Secure emergency clause (when use of funds is necessary for defense or relief for preservation of public health or safety –repayment plan; include Highway User Revenue money to ensure HUR distribution is protected with transportation funding. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber favored this bill with an amendment.

Position Statement: Click here

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.