HB221 Summary

• Creates a nine-member State Transportation Commission appointed by the Governor, with one member from each of the nine transportation divisions of the state, to coordinate and develop Department of Transportation activities.

• Commission members serve staggered six-year terms after initial appointments (two, four, or six years depending on division), cannot serve consecutive terms, and must reflect the state's racial, gender, geographic, urban/rural, and economic diversity.

• Members receive compensation equal to 30 percent of the Governor's cabinet member salaries, are prohibited from employment in roadbuilding industries or as lobbyists, and cannot benefit from contracts with DOT companies for two years after leaving office.

• Transfers appointment of the Transportation Director from the Governor to the Commission, and grants the Commission authority over all DOT duties unless delegated to the director by resolution.

• Exempts the Department of Transportation from the Budget Management Act, preventing the Governor or Finance Director from withholding funds or redirecting projects contrary to the Commission's five-year plan or annual budget.