3/24/03-Gov. Bob Wise signed into law March 20 a bill increasing coal truck weights to 120,000 pounds.
SB583 was approved in the Senate just hours before the Legislature's regular session was scheduled to end March 8. It passed the House the previous day.
The measure establishes "coal resource transportation roads" with weight limits up to 120,000 pounds in 15 southern counties. Special permits would be needed for weights over 80,000 pounds. The permits would cost $100 to $500.

3/13/03-As the West Virginia Legislature worked toward a midnight deadline March 8, lawmakers approved a bill increasing coal truck weights to 120,000 pounds.
The Senate passed the measure on the Legislature's final day after the House gave the go-ahead March 7.
SB583 establishes "coal resource transportation roads" with weight limits up to 120,000 pounds in 15 southern counties. Special permits would be needed for weights over 80,000 pounds. The permits would cost $100 to $500.
The bill now goes to Gov. Bob Wise for his signature.

3/7/03-The West Virginia House gave the go ahead March 7 to legislation increasing coal truck weights to 120,000 pounds.
The House voted 56 to 43 to approve SB583, which establishes "coal resource transportation roads" with weight limits up to 120,000 pounds in 15 southern counties. Special permits would be needed for weights over 80,000 pounds. The permits would cost $100 to $500.
While the bill must go back to the Senate, it is expected to pass and be sent to Gov. Bob Wise for his signature.
Wise said March 6 he would likely sign off on the measure as long as it retained strict standards for enforcing the higher limits.
The governor was critical of the industry-backed bill when it was first introduced in the Senate, saying the 19-page proposal skimped on details for enforcing higher weight limits. Several amendments totaling 40 pages were later added to the bill.

3/6/03-Gov. Bob Wise said Thursday, March 6, he's likely to sign into law a bill raising the legal weight limit for coal trucks - as long as it retains strict standards for enforcing the higher limits.
Wise was critical of the industry-backed bill when it was first introduced in the Senate, saying the 19-page proposal skimped on details for enforcing higher weight limits. Several amendments totaling 40 pages were later added to the bill.
Among the amendments to SB583 was a call to expand the system of "coal resource transportation roads" to certain routes in Greenbrier, Clay, Nicholas and Webster counties. They are in addition to the 12 counties already included in the bill.
As written, coal trucks would be charged a penny a ton for using the coal haul roads with the revenue going into a special fund for maintaining those roads.
Another amendment would restore language from a bill the governor introduced in a special session last July to strengthen enforcement of the restrictions on coal shippers, haulers and receivers.
The bill passed the Senate March 5 and was approved by the House Judiciary Committee the following day. It now heads to the full House for consideration.
For Senate bill status, call (304) 357-7947.

2/27/03-The Senate Finance Committee approved a bill Feb. 26 to allow trucks to haul up to 126,000 pounds of coal on designated roadways.
The committee's approval followed several recent amendments to the bill.
Among the amendments to SB583 was a call to expand the system of "coal resource transportation roads" to certain routes in Greenbrier, Clay, Nicholas and Webster counties. They are in addition to the 12 counties already included in the bill.
As written, coal trucks would be charged a penny a ton for using the coal haul roads with the revenue going into a special fund for maintaining those roads.
Another amendment would restore language from a bill supported by Gov. Bob Wise last year to strengthen enforcement of the restrictions on coal shippers, haulers and receivers.
Among the provisions are fines of $1,000 to $2,000 for "spotting," in which certain people would look out for inspectors and warn overloaded coal trucks to stay away, the newspaper reported.
The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. For Senate bill status, call (304) 357-7947.

2/25/03-Legislation to allow trucks to haul 120,000 pounds of coal on certain state roads grew from 19 to 58 pages Feb. 24.
The revised version adds weight reporting and enforcement provisions from a bill supported by Gov. Bob Wise last year.
Wise said recently he refused to support any bill that increased weight limits without the provisions, which include real-time reporting of truck weights as they leave the shipper and streamlined enforcement.
Like Wise's proposal, SB583 authorizes the Public Service Commission to enforce the law.
As written, shippers would be required to provide real-time electronic reporting of coal vehicle weights and would be subject to fines for allowing a truck to leave overweight.
Coal haulers could be fined and eventually have their licenses suspended or revoked for running overweight.
Receivers of overweight loads would be "immune" from prosecution if they report the violation to the PSC within 24 hours.
The measure is in the Senate Finance Committee. The regular session is scheduled to end March 8.

2/18/03-West Virginia Senate Majority Leader Truman Chafin, D-Mingo, introduced legislation Feb. 17 to allow trucks to haul 120,000 pounds of coal on certain state roads.
The routes would be approved by the state Transportation Department.
SB583, introduced on the last day for senators to file legislation during the 60-day session, is expected to generate considerable controversy. The House of Delegates axed a similar bill last year after a campaign against it.
Coalfield residents insist the heavier trucks put them at risk, The Dominion Post reported. Coal and some trucking industry officials say weights must be increased to make coal hauling economical.
Chafin's proposal would require coal haulers to buy annual permits for $500, with the revenue going for upkeep on coal truck routes. Violators would get higher fines and stronger regulations.
The bill is likely to pass the Senate, the newspaper reported. The real fight is expected in the House.
Delegate Mike Caputo, D-Marion, who led opposition last time, told The Post he would oppose any weight increase.
"I don't think there's much question that the majority of voters of this state don't want to see heavier trucks on the road," Caputo said. "Members will have to decide whether to listen to constituents or to the lobbying efforts of the coal industry."
For Senate bill status, call (304) 357-7947.