1/31/03-HB1762 would change the way the state collects fuel taxes, adjusting the tax upward each year to keep up with inflation and basing it on the number of miles vehicles travel in the state.
Under the bill, introduced by Rep. Jeff Espich (R-82nd District), the tax would never drop below its current 18 cents per gallon, or go down once increased.
The bill has been sent to the House Committee on Ways and Means. For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

1/27/03-The small memorials along the side of America's highways to commemorate the victims of accidents have become a daily sight for truckers. But if an Indiana bill passes, the kind of memorials truckers see in the state could change dramatically.
Indiana state Rep. Duane Cheney introduced HB1110 to remove the roadside memorials put up by families of accident victims and replace them with state-constructed signs.
Highway officials told The Associated Press the memorials, which used to include small crosses, flowers or other small memorials, have become more elaborate and distracting over time, now including such attention-grabbing elements as statues and solar lights.
Under the bill, a sign could be put up only if requested by a member of the accident victim's family.
HB1110 is scheduled for discussion this week in the House. The general information number for the Indiana House is (317) 232-9600.

2/15/02 - HB1308, a bill raising the speed limit for cars, but not for trucks was passed by the full House in early February. If the bill passes its Senate hearings it would increase the speed limit from 55 to 60 mph on highways and from 65 to 70 mph on interstates. The 60-mph limit for tractor-trailers, imposed in 1987, would not change. Sen. Robert L. Meeks (R-LaGrange), is the bill's Senate sponsor. As of Feb. 7, HB1308 was awaiting a committee assignment. The number for the Senate is (317) 232-9400.

1/24/02 - Truckers who reside and vote in Indiana need to contact their elected representatives and voice their concerns immediately. A bill raising the speed limit for cars but not trucks was passed by a House committee Wednesday.

HB1308 was approved 11-2 by the Public Policy Committee. If the bill passes Senate debate it would increase the legal speed limit from 55 to 60 mph on highways and from 65 to 70 mph on interstates. The speed limits for tractor-trailers, which are 55- and 60-mph, respectively, would not change.

Although HB1308 still faces numerous hurdles, if the bill succeeds, it would create a 10 mph speed differential for professional truckers to deal with when traveling on Indiana interstates. Indiana already has a 5 mph differential on interstates.

Rep. David Wolkins (R-Winona Lake) is the bill's sponsor. A similar bill was defeated in 1999 on the Senate floor. The general number for the Indiana House of Representatives is (317) 232-9600.