Transportation (Transportation Funding)

SB 1544 requires Oregon's Department of Transportation to study whether uniform standards for speed bump height and markings should be developed. The study must be completed by September 15, 2027, with a report submitted to transportation committees. This bill does not create new rules but directs the DOT to evaluate potential standards for local communities that use speed bumps. The bill expires on January 2, 2028, meaning the study requirement ends then.

Digest: The Act would phase in a mandatory per-mile road usage charge for owners and lessees of electric and hybrid cars and delivery vans engaged in e-commerce. The Act would allow a flat annual fee in lieu of the per-mile road usage charge. The Act would have ODOT biennially recommend a rate for the per-mile road usage charge that would raise the money needed to keep up the highways in this state. Phases in a mandatory per-mile road usage charge for registered owners and lessees of electric and hybrid passenger vehicles and delivery vehicles engaged in e-commerce. Allows an annual flat fee in lieu of the mandatory per-mile road usage charge. Requires the Department of Transportation to submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly recommending a rate for the per-mile road usage charge that would sustainably raise the revenue necessary to maintain the public highways in this state. Prohibits the Department of Environmental Quality from providing certain zero-emission and electric vehicle rebates for a period of time. Limits the charge ahead rebate to one per household. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Directs the Oregon Transportation Commission to create a 10-year capital investment plan. Provides that the plan must include a scoring methodology to prioritize and rank projects that are included in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Specifies requirements for the scoring methodology. Adds criteria to the list the commission must consider before adding a project to the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. Requires the Department of Transportation to produce a condition report on the highways. Specifies additional information the commission must include on its website.

Requires the Department of Transportation to submit a biennial report to the Legislative Assembly recommending a rate for the per-mile road usage charge that would sustainably raise the revenue necessary to maintain the public highways in this state. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.