Budget & Taxes (Debt & Bonds)

HB 157 allows local governments within regional transportation authorities to use up to 25% of their annual sales tax revenue for local mobility projects. It directly affects cities or counties in these authorities by enabling them to fund sidewalks, trails, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements on local roads. The bill requires annual project lists and splits funding between 50% upfront and 50% reimbursement before year-end. Unused funds must pay down existing debt secured by a 1% sales tax, but the primary change is expanding local control over transportation investments.

This bill allows local governments within regional transportation authorities to use up to 25% of their annual sales tax revenue for local mobility projects. It directly affects cities and counties that are part of these regional authorities, enabling them to fund sidewalks, trails, streetlights, traffic signals, and drainage improvements. Funds must be distributed with 50% provided at the start of the fiscal year and 50% reimbursed later, with unused funds required to pay down debt secured by a 1% sales tax. The bill creates a formal process for local units to allocate transportation funds while maintaining regional oversight.