Committee advances bill easing mobile-crane axle weight restriction to cut trips and improve safety

The Senate Transportation Committee approved House Bill 1189, which amends axle weight limits for mobile cranes to allow 650 pounds per inch of tire width on axles permanently attached to mobile cranes when the boom is carried over the vehicle.

Representative Kent Roe, sponsor, told the committee the change targets a narrow class of equipment and aligns state code with modern tire ratings. "This targeted 50 pound per inch increase matches modern crane tire ratings while keeping every safety and permitting requirement in place," Roe said.

Contractors and trade groups testified in support. Deb Mortensen, a registered lobbyist for the Associated General Contractors, told the committee the bill was negotiated with DOT and motor carriers and that stakeholders were neutral on safety concerns. Andy Johnson of AGE Corporation and Logan Lueders said the change would allow many cranes to travel without bulky boom dollies, which proponents argued create handling problems and increase road wear.

Supporters said the change reduces trips, lowers costs and improves public safety by avoiding awkward boom-dolly configurations that have been involved in close calls. The sponsor noted the exemption applies only when cranes operate under a valid overweight permit and that violations would remain a class 2 misdemeanor.

Senators moved and recorded a do-pass recommendation; roll call showed seven yeas and zero nays. The committee certified the bill for consent to the floor.