10/8/03-A bill to offer relief to Kentucky truckers facing heavy usage taxes has died.
HB349, introduced by Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, called for exempting vehicles that weigh more than 44,000 pounds – the top four tag weights in the state – from the usage tax.
It was in the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee when lawmakers adjourned in March.

3/13/03-A bill to offer relief to Kentucky truckers facing heavy usage taxes is stalled in the House and is unlikely to pass.
HB349, introduced by Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, would exempt vehicles that weigh more than 44,000 pounds - the top four tag weights in the state - from the usage tax.
It remains in the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee. For bill status, call 1-877-215-0023.

2/25/03-A House bill would exempt most tractor-trailers from usage taxes in the state, but as a trade off would slightly increase registration fees on many trucks.
However, there is some doubt whether the bill can make it through the Kentucky House before the end of the regular session March 7.
HB349, introduced by Rep. Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, would exempt vehicles that weigh more than 44,000 pounds - the top four tag weights in the state - from the usage tax.
The usage tax on a $110,000 tractor-trailer purchase in Kentucky would run $6,000.
As part of the proposal to cut the tax, annual registration fees on those top four categories would increase. On trucks from 44,001 to 55,000 pounds, the bill would increase from $544 to $609; on trucks from 55,001 to 62,000 pounds, it would increase from $882 to $947; on trucks from 62,001 to 73,280 pounds, it would hike fees from $1,125 to $1,190; and on trucks from 73,281 to 80,000 pounds, fees would go up from $1,260 to $1,325. In addition, a $3 fee truckers pay to counties would increase to $20.
If the measure does not move forward, one avenue being pursued by the state's trucking industry is an amendment to a bill in the Senate.
HB349 is in the House Appropriations and Revenue Committee. It is vital you contact your state lawmakers and let them know how important this bill is to you as a Kentucky trucker.
House Appropriations and Revenue Committee members to contact:
Rep. Harry Moberly, Chair Rep. Mike Cherry, Vice Chair Rep. Robert Damron, Vice Chair Rep. Bob DeWeese, Vice Chair Rep. Joni Jenkins, Vice Chair Rep. Charles Siler , Vice ChairRep. Robin L. Webb, Vice Chair Rep. Royce Adams, Rep. Rocky Adkins, Rep. Joe Barrows, Rep. Scott Brinkman, Rep. Dwight Butler, Rep. Jim Callahan, Rep. Larry Clark, Rep. Jack Coleman, Rep. Jesse Crenshaw, Rep. Jon Draud, Rep. Danny Ford, Rep. Jimmie Lee, Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, Rep. Thomas McKee, Rep. Lonnie Napie,r Rep. Fred Nesle,r Rep. Stephen Nunn, Rep. John Will Stacy, Rep. Tommy Turner, Rep. John Vincen,t Rep. Jim Wayne, Rep. Rob Wilkey

For contact information, visit http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/House/hseadd.htm, or call OOIDA's membership department at 1-800-444-5791 and they'll look it up. For bill status, call 1-877-215-0023.