Locally set speed limits, option to increase PILT payment, extended EV rebates and more

On January 1, 2022, a series of new laws took effect that will increase the equity in Oregon’s transportation system, improve safety, increase local control and reduce greenhouse gas emissions 

A few of these new laws include:

  • HB 3055: Local speed setting designation for cities, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties
    The legislation was the 2021 legislative session’s omnibus transportation measure, including various technical corrections and programmatic changes such as allowing the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to delegate speed setting authority to cities, Clackamas and Multnomah Counties, if the local jurisdiction shows that they can meet the designated criteria set by the agency. County members on the Oregon Traffic Control Devices Committee (OTCDC) and Oregon Speed Zone Review Panel have been reviewing the draft Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) that set this criteria and process. Public comment is expected to open soon, please make any of your concerns known to ODOT now by email to Doug Bish at douglas.w.bish@odot.state.or.us.

 

  • HB 2174: Creates an option for counties to increase their PILT payment
    creates flexibility for county governments to increase federal dollars that flow into rural communities by allowing a county government to elect to divert the 75% of their Secure Rural Schools (SRS) payment that is statutorily reserved for the county road fund to a separate public body.

 

  • HB 2985: Equitable membership of ODOT advisory committees
    The legislation directed ODOT to diversify specific advisory committees to reflect the racial, ethnic, and ability composition of Oregon.

 

  • HB 2165: Alternative fuel transportation rebates
    Now Oregonians looking to switch to an electric vehicle, and dramatically reduce their carbon emissions, can do so knowing that rebates will be available to subsidize that purchase. This legislation removed the sunset on funding Oregon’s Charge Ahead EV rebate program, funded through a vehicle privilege tax created by passage of HB 2017.

For full information of laws passed in 2021 see the complete OACES 2021 Legislative Summary HERE.