3/24/08-A bill has died that sought to prohibit the state from selling or leasing turnpikes to foreign investors.
Sponsored by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, HB3182 was awaiting consideration on the House floor at the deadline to advance to the Senate, effectively killing it for the year.
The bill would have prohibited the Oklahoma Transportation Commission and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority from entering into contract or lease agreements with foreign companies or any majority-owned subsidiary of foreign companies to operate or maintain any state-owned turnpike.

2/27/08-The House General Government and Transportation Committee approved a bill that would prohibit the state from selling or leasing turnpikes to foreign investors.
Sponsored by Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, HB3182 would prohibit the Oklahoma Transportation Commission and the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority from entering into contract or lease agreements with foreign companies or any majority-owned subsidiary of foreign companies to operate or maintain any state-owned turnpike.
The bill is awaiting consideration on the House floor.
For House bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.

2/21/08-The House General Government and Transportation Committee voted in favor of a bill that would make available an additional $32.5 million annually for road and bridge maintenance. It now moves to the full House for a vote.
Sponsored by Rep. Guy Liebmann, R-Oklahoma City, HB2551 would remove a trigger in Oklahoma law that requires state revenue to grow at least 3 percent before the state Transportation Department receives an annual increase of up to $50 million.
A 2006 law provided for up to $50 million a year for roads and bridges in the state until $200 million in new funding was put together. The 3-percent stipulation led to only $17.5 million being allotted for transportation in the 2008 fiscal year.
The bill would require ODOT to get at least $50 million in new funding each year until the $200 million threshold is achieved. The state’s tax collection would have no bearing on the amount.
For House bill status, call (405) 521-2711. In Oklahoma, call 1-800-522-8502.