9/10/03-A new hearing on SB138 was canceled, effectively killing the bill that would have allowed private companies to build a toll road in the Los Angeles area.

7/3/03-A bill that would allow private companies to build a toll road in the Los Angeles area has failed in committee, but the bill’s proponents have already secured a second chance for the measure.
SB138, which specifically calls for a highway to relieve traffic problems along state Highway 138, has an Assembly transportation committee hearing set for July 7.
The original text of the bill called for the new road to run between Palmdale and Victorville in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The amended version that will be considered now extends that to include the entire State Highway 138 corridor running through the Antelope Valley and the Victor Valley in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties
Under the bill, the company building the road could collect tolls to recover its costs, and would lease the road from the state for up to 35 years. However, California would retain ownership of the road.
An amendment added to the bill March 25 would prohibit the department from closing Route 138 upon completion of the toll road and would also require the Legislature’s approval of any agreement to build the toll road.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

6/20/03-A hearing is scheduled in the Assembly transportation committee June 30 on a bill that would allow private companies to build a toll road in the Los Angeles area. SB138, sponsored by Sen. W.J. Knight, R-Palmdale, specifically calls for a highway to relieve traffic problems along state Highway 138.
Under the bill, the company building the road could collect tolls to recover its costs, and would lease the road from the state for up to 35 years. However, California would retain ownership of the road.
An amendment added to the bill in March would prohibit the department from closing Route 138 upon completion of the toll road and would also require the Legislature’s approval of any agreement to build the toll road.
Notes attached to the bill indicated that accidents and fatalities on the highway have increased in recent years, spurring the call for the toll road proposal.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

4/17/03-The Senate voted 27-5 on April 10 in favor of a bill that would allow private companies to build a toll road in the Los Angeles area.
SB138 specifically calls for a highway to relieve traffic problems along state Highway 138.
Under the bill, the company building the road could collect tolls to recover its costs, and would lease the road from the state for up to 35 years. California would retain ownership of the road.
The bill now moves to the Assembly. For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

4/8/03-The Senate Appropriations Committee voted 8-3 on April 7 in favor of a bill that would allow private companies to build a toll road in the Los Angeles area.
SB138 specifically calls for a highway to relieve traffic problems along state Highway 138.
Under the bill, the company building the road could collect tolls to recover its costs, and would lease the road from the state for up to 35 years. California would retain ownership of the road.
The bill now moves to the Senate floor. For Senate bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

3/31/03-The Senate Appropriations Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing April 7 on a bill that would allow private companies to build a toll road in the Los Angeles area.
SB138, introduced by Sen. W.J. Knight, R-Palmdale, specifically calls for a highway to relieve traffic problems along state Highway 138. The new highway would lie in the Highway 138 corridor between Palmdale and Victorville in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
Under the bill, the company building the road could collect tolls to recover its costs, and would lease the road from the state for up to 35 years. However, California would retain ownership of the road.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

3/10/03-A hearing is scheduled March 18 on a bill that would allow private companies to build a toll road in the Los Angeles area.
SB138, introduced by Sen. W.J. Knight, R-Palmdale, specifically calls for a new highway to relieve traffic problems along state Highway 138. The new road would lie in the Highway 138 corridor between Palmdale and Victorville in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. The freeway-style road reportedly would run along Avenue P-8 extending across the Antelope Valley's east side.
Under the bill, the company building the road could collect tolls to recover its costs, and would lease the road from the state for up to 35 years. However, California would retain ownership of the road.
According to notes attached to the bill, accidents and fatalities on the highway have increased in recent years.
The bill is in the Senate Transportation Committee. For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.