3/5/03 - A bill to allow Arkansas to more easily build toll roads is now law.
SB218, now Arkansas Act 296, sponsored by Sen. Dave Bisbee, R-Rogers, is designed to clarify the powers of the state highway commission to construct turnpikes and toll roads, allowing the board to act as the state's toll authority and to issue revenue bonds to finance those roads.
It does not specify which toll roads would get built.

2/27/03 - The only thing now standing between Arkansas and building more toll roads is Gov. Mike Huckabee's signature.
SB218 has passed both houses of the state's Legislature and is on the way to the governor's desk.
The latest version of the bill received final approval by the Senate by a vote of 34-0 Feb. 27.
It does not specify which toll roads would get built.

2/25/03 - A bill that would allow Arkansas to more easily build toll roads has passed the House and is on the way to the governor.
SB218 clarifies the state highway commission's powers to construct turnpikes and toll roads, allowing the board to act as the state's toll authority and to issue revenue bonds to finance those roads.
The House of Representatives voted 88-8 in favor of the bill Feb. 24. The Senate voted in favor of the bill Feb. 17.
The bill does not specify which toll roads would get built.

2/18/03 - The Senate has passed a bill that would allow the state to more easily build toll roads.
SB218 is designed to clarify the powers of the state highway commission to construct turnpikes and toll roads, allowing the board to act as the state's toll authority and to issue revenue bonds to finance those roads.
The bill been sent to the House for consideration. For bill status, call (501) 682-5951.

2/11/03 - Sen. Dave Bisbee (R-Rogers) has introduced a bill that would enable the state highway commission to also serve as the state's toll authority and issue bonds for construction of toll roads.
SB218 has been sent to the Senate Committee on Public Transportation. For Senate bill status, call (501) 682-5951.