HARRISBURG – To bolster funding for Pennsylvania’s transportation infrastructure, the Senate passed legislation to restrict the diversion of transportation funding out of the Motor License Fund, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).
The Motor License Fund obtains revenue from transportation charges, including the gas tax, vehicle registration fees and driver license fees. These funds are required by the Pennsylvania Constitution for the design, construction and maintenance of the state and local highway network. However, a large portion is transferred to the Pennsylvania State Police for statewide highway patrol operations.
Senate Bill 121 dedicates the transportation charges to road and bridge safety projects, while ensuring the Pennsylvania State Police receive reliable, sustainable funding from sources beyond the susceptible Motor License Fund. The bill caps transfers from the Motor License Fund at $250 million in 2023-24 then reduces the transfer by $50 million annually. The bill seeks to end the transfers by 2028-29 and allocate all transportation fees for road and bridge improvements.
“As community needs and hopes for crucial transportation safety and economic expansion projects grow, the significant amounts of money directed to the state police create a hole in the dedicated transportation budget,” said Sen. Baker. “While this practice reaches back for decades, it is no longer affordable. This bill will provide better and more efficient service for motorists, shippers, haulers, and the community at large.”
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Williams twilliams@pasen.gov 570-675-3931