Committee advances plan to apportion up to $1 billion to roads fund over eight years

Senate Bill 13 49, introduced by Senator Woods, would increase apportionments to the roads fund over an eight‑year period, targeting up to $1,000,000,000 to support infrastructure. The sponsor said apportionments would come from motor‑fuel and excise taxes typically earmarked for infrastructure and argued dedicated funding would improve return on investment for road projects.

Several senators raised fiscal‑policy concerns. Senator Bergstrom asked whether the bill effectively ties the hands of future legislatures by setting a long multi‑year apportionment schedule; the sponsor responded the amounts could be adjusted by the committee. Others asked whether the proposal duplicated or overlapped with other pending legislation addressing roads and driver-safety funds; the sponsor said the appropriation team should have multiple options.

Committee members also discussed the historical context of apportionments and growth in the roads budget since the speaker’s tenure. The sponsor said the measure is intended to prioritize infrastructure rather than allow funds to return to general revenue, and acknowledged inflation and long‑term budget effects could require tweaks.

After questions and brief debate, the committee advanced SB 13 49 on a 10–2 vote. The bill will be reported out of committee for floor consideration, with senators indicating they expect continued work with appropriations staff on details and any necessary adjustments.