4/20/05-Gov. Tom Vilsack has signed a bill that will allow drivers to legally drive 70 mph on rural interstate highways in the state.
The new law, previously HF826, raises the 65 mph speed limit on Iowa’s four-lane expressways and nearly doubles fines and fees for speeding on roads posted at 55 mph and above.
The new speeding fines will raise an estimated $7.6 million a year to help pay for the state’s court system.
The higher fines only apply to citations on roads posted at 55 mph and above. One of the most common fines, for exceeding the speed limit by 6 to 10 mph, will be $82, up from $43.
Vilsack used his line-item veto power to delete a portion of the measure that would have set aside up to $800,000 a year for new cars for the Iowa State Patrol.
As a condition of the bill’s passage into law, the Iowa Department of Transportation will review all rural interstates to find areas where a higher speed could be dangerous. The study should be finished by July 1, when the change takes effect.

4/14/05-The Senate voted 27-23 on April 13 to approve a bill that would allow drivers to legally drive 70 mph on rural interstate highways in the state. The bill, which previously passed the House, now heads to Gov. Tom Vilsack.
HF826 would raise the 65 mph speed limit on Iowa’s four-lane expressways and would nearly double fines and fees for speeding on roads posted at 55 mph and above.
Some of the revenue generated by higher fines would be used to help replace Iowa State Patrol cars over the next four years.
The state’s court system would get $7 million a year from increased fines and fees.
The governor can either sign or veto the bill. But because it includes budget provisions, he also could use a line-item veto to remove parts he doesn’t like.
A decision is expected soon. Vilsack has three days to act once the bill hits his desk.
If approved, it would take effect July 1.
For bill status, call (515) 281-5129.

4/7/05-The Senate Transportation Committee voted 7-5 on April 6 to approve a bill that would allow drivers to legally drive 70 mph on rural interstate highways in the state. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
HF826 would raise the 65 mph speed limit on Iowa’s four-lane expressways and would nearly double fines and fees for speeding on roads posted at 55 mph and above.
Some of the revenue generated by higher fines would be used to help replace Iowa State Patrol cars over the next four years.
The state’s court system would get $7 million a year from increased fines and fees.
HF826 is expected for debate before the full Senate as early as next week.
For bill status, call (515) 281-5129.

4/1/05-The House voted 51-49 March 31 in favor of a bill that would permit drivers to legally drive 70 mph on rural interstate highways in the state.
HF826 would raise the 65 mph speed limit on Iowa’s four-lane expressways and would nearly double fines and fees for speeding on roads posted at 55 mph and above.
Some of the revenue generated by higher fines would be used to help replace Iowa State Patrol cars over the next four years.
The state’s court system would get $7 million a year from increased fines and fees.
HF826 is expected to come up for debate before the full House on March 31.
HF826 now heads to the Senate, where it is sure to face an uphill battle. Senate Democratic Leader Mike Gronstal of Council Bluffs told The Quad-City Times he expects it to be defeated in a 30-20 vote.
For bill status, call (515) 281-5129.

3/29/05-The House Appropriations Committee voted 14-11 March 8 to approve a bill that would permit drivers to legally drive 70 mph on rural interstate highways in the state.
HF826 would raise the 65 mph speed limit on Iowa’s four-lane expressways and would nearly double fines and fees for speeding on roads posted at 55 mph and above.
Some of the revenue generated by higher fines would be used to help replace Iowa State Patrol cars over the next four years.
The bill also requires $7 million a year from increased fines and fees to go to the state’s courts.
HF826 is expected to come up for debate before the full House on March 31.
For bill status, call (515) 281-5129.