8/6/07-The General Assembly closed up shop for the year last week without reaching agreement on a plan to set aside extra money to help pay for toll roads throughout the state.
House lawmakers balked at a Senate-approved plan that would have required most drivers to pay $8 more per year for their vehicle registration stickers. The increase would have added $30 million this fiscal year for the North Carolina Turnpike Authority. The added funds would have reached $52 million annually each of the next four fiscal years.
The money would have been used to leverage revenue bonds for toll road projects.
Instead, the House voted in favor of a bill – SB1352 – on the final work day of the year that would have given the Turnpike Authority $20 million, but the Senate never considered it.

8/1/07-The Senate voted 42-5 Monday, July 30, to approve a bill that would increase the annual registration fee by $8 on most vehicles. The increase would add $30 million this fiscal year for the North Carolina Turnpike Authority. The added funds would reach $52 million annually each of the next four fiscal years.
Sponsored by Sen. David Hoyle, D-Gastonia, SB1352 has moved to the House for further consideration. It must gain passage there before the regular session wraps up this week.
For bill status, call (919) 733-7779.