[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6364212,"mediaKeyId","2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59","parentId",2165128,"title","Committee clarifies corridor preservation fund can buy rights‑of‑way for fixed‑guideway transit","audioSeconds",974,"startMs",2367000,"endMs",3341000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59&start=2367&end=3341","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59/thumbnail_2367000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6364212/Utah/Committee-clarifies-corridor-preservation-fund-can-buy-rightsofway-for-fixedguideway-transit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364212-12d62a75f8907db9250a08369f8afea4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165424&Signature=RZbx-e8HmHkCjvkp7wZ2sGUYG9J-9iUVxawDhVxA23et2fz~VWGFs1dwALyfb884APafX1R-vkLCfRn3J38H41~Dls3yOg-yLPrdZmJifQzeOAL5tEmuTpq25fuPhOkZAgaNYZHx8v8TB-gIWCKtQlfwhRFimZcyWaLaybetsNiwQJeLyqIBSqbMGsVp1iyRPHeP3IrHu8YzzHHyuWzwVulAHTgdLG8CJUD-NRAwvoLSntJ5C4dEBit7j~iREpif0RoocBzTOq8IO37a2S8VcpidOmrAviqbBonPkmfx77IKj8COleQzIB-GiOhiY83z85ZgWo8u275z8aRpPegW6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Utah State Legislature","date","2025-01-29T00:00:00Z","article","Representative Christopherson presented House Bill 229 to clarify that the Corridor Preservation Fund may be used to acquire right‑of‑way for fixed‑guideway transit projects—such as commuter rail and bus rapid transit—alongside its existing authority for highway corridors.

Leif Elder of UDOT told the committee the fund currently has roughly $30 million available with transactions pending, and that ongoing revenues (a small tax on rental cars and similar vehicle leases) put about $5–$10 million per year into the fund. Elder described the fund as revolving: when projects proceed and funds are expended, repayment mechanisms return money to the fund for future purchases.

Jeff Acerson, speaking for the Utah Transit Authority, urged the committee to preserve corridors proactively, particularly in fast‑growing areas of Utah County, noting that early purchases reduce future costs and disruption to established neighborhoods.

A member of the public raised concerns about a prior UDOT purchase related to a project near Little Cottonwood Canyon and asked the committee to pause and examine whether statutory language could be used to acquire properties outside long‑range plans. Representative Christopherson and UDOT staff answered that UDOT already has statutory authority to purchase voluntary parcels and that the bill clarifies the fund's availability for fixed‑guideway transit; UDOT staff said they follow a willing‑seller process and that the sponsor's bill asks UDOT to be more proactive in identified corridors.

Representative Swear moved that the committee favorably recommend HB 229. The motion passed by voice vote; the chair ruled the motion passed unanimously.

The committee discussion emphasized voluntary purchases and coordination with local governments; UDOT staff said purchases are only from willing sellers and that the agency has followed appraisal and negotiation procedures.

The bill gives UDOT clearer authority to use corridor preservation funds for certain transit corridors when right‑of‑way opportunities arise, while preserving current appraisal and willing‑seller practices.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","House Transportation Committee - January 29, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 229 clarifies that the state's Corridor Preservation Fund may be used to acquire right‑of‑way for fixed‑guideway transit projects in addition to highway corridors.","taxTitle","2025 Utah Legislature, Utah Legislature, Utah Legislative Branch, Utah","taxId",78171,"location","Utah","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364217,"Committee raises fine for unendorsed motorcycle operation but waives it if rider completes safety training",357,1928000,2285000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59&start=1928&end=2285","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59/thumbnail_1928000.jpg","/articles/6364217/Utah/Committee-raises-fine-for-unendorsed-motorcycle-operation-but-waives-it-if-rider-completes-safety-training","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364217-4db2951c4f610b282541d6486ef1dc6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165424&Signature=F8lVx53c4SnFfNDm-PyJ3ZOV9zWgtVtHyzEWPIiX8lOP3dBXYFEPR8ESCDLs6Ho~PErlHABvVnciGrE7uFy~e3kYQgunlHZ5m00WnwJU7QrnEKLoIchjEiDuRdX9V~XJCCsxSctW1kku8OekFKnJTeY5pe6wKcMto8VP3339q0g00VVzqJG1r32KPxD0yVm8jrYZuZ3CkY3bE337--78A~1e2hf65p-WydDJ53CbETE95mkAo6pf1Ovb30PLBOANuIgvq5aq4QGjVUNJ495wNcy5AvqMO3KDIsnpXNkkPHGPNTOWBF~PYzLuZlswTac5KvNpJwAYo1g10gl43dodjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A sponsor presenting another motorcycle safety measure told the committee that House Bill 234 raises the fine for operating a motorcycle without the required endorsement from the current infraction amount (about $110) to $350, then allows the court to waive the $350 if the rider completes a safety course that leads to endorsement or completes the required testing and education.

The sponsor described the change as a compliance pathway to encourage riders to obtain proper licensing and take safety instruction rather than only receiving a fine. \"The $350 will be waived if the rider takes a motorcycle safety class that leads to endorsement,\" the sponsor said during presentation (sponsor name not specified in the recorded excerpt).

Chris Karas, director of the Driver License Division, answered committee questions about learner permits and explained that to legally operate a motorcycle on a public roadway a rider must have at least a motorcycle learner's permit, which requires taking a knowledge test and gives a six‑month window to practice before full endorsement.

Representative Thurston moved that the committee favorably recommend House Bill 234. The committee voted by voice; the chair ruled the motion passed unanimously.

The bill creates an incentive structure to move unendorsed riders into formal training and licensing; courts would retain discretion to waive the new fine on proof of completing approved safety instruction. The committee did not discuss a specific appropriation tied to the bill.","House Bill 234 would increase the fine for operating a motorcycle without an endorsement to $350, with courts authorized to waive the fine if the rider completes a safety course or obtains an endorsement; the House Transportation Committee gave the bill a favorable recommendation unanimously.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364222,"Committee approves bill adding 90‑day motorcycle endorsement suspension for lane splitting, wheelies, hidden plates",966,860000,1826000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59&start=860&end=1826","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59/thumbnail_860000.jpg","/articles/6364222/Utah/Committee-approves-bill-adding-90day-motorcycle-endorsement-suspension-for-lane-splitting-wheelies-hidden-plates","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364222-f2f476affd71d68c7d747f74903a41d7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165424&Signature=W34FbgUNzZDqwIdveiY8RWkubFt80itoNehxZn1zZ~vy98snFGVf~5GIgc4HI5t9hi8ZANGQWILLrWNTIEXlz9M3UaUyun-dRkpmh0XQQ91EmyEl8PwJPN8tP234emfx64y9Myc0jO5Q0AvPV8gS-rWRsXEOjkVhXGAucDcGyVV6evTdbg47-2SWzxfnjxtNba5uiqEILt~yT1k-elzWInLdDVN-FnJq~bIhsSrgNExwaTPmntYVyW7XR~Akdz285gmLtikhdGg6wIuINdyls7gYXmxGd49vDrubSHzN5Ac0q32HrZXQT~Rzgh2MuiU5~iTGKxp~qV4e9G5qSk-c9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Transportation Committee favorably recommended the first substitute to House Bill 190, which creates an administrative mechanism to suspend a rider's motorcycle endorsement for 90 days for specified dangerous behaviors: lane splitting at speed, performing a wheelie, and intentionally hiding a license plate.

Elizabeth McMillan, director of communications at UDOT, told the committee that motorcycle fatalities reached a 15‑year high last year with 53 deaths and that a high share of fatal motorcycle crashes involve riders not wearing protective gear and younger riders. \"The concentration of motorcycle fatalities is during the warmer months,\" McMillan said, and she added that in the most recent year the motorcycle was the at‑fault vehicle in 67% of fatal motorcycle crashes.

Sponsor Representative Thurston told the committee the penalty is intended to add enforcement \"teeth\" beyond citations: the driver's license division would suspend only the motorcycle endorsement for 90 days while leaving the driver's license for other vehicles intact. The bill also allows revocation in repeat or aggravated cases, subject to established revocation and restoration processes.

Chris Karas, director of the Driver License Division, said the division posts a yearly summary of law changes on its website and described how convictions recorded by the courts feed into license actions. Major Jeff of the Utah Highway Patrol (speaking in enforcement context) said education strategies used previously for lane filtering could be reactivated and coordinated with the Utah Highway Safety Office.

Public commenters included a long‑time motorcycle rider who urged stronger enforcement tools and Jeff Acerson, who recounted observing a motorcyclist crash after speeding past traffic on I‑15.

Committee action: Representative Sawyer moved to favorably recommend HB 190; members adopted and then favorably recommended the first substitute. The committee approved the substitute and gave a favorable recommendation to the bill (substitute 1) by voice vote; the chair ruled the motion passed unanimously.

The first substitute clarified implementation details and alignment with the Driver License Division and Department of Public Safety enforcement practices, but committee members emphasized education and outreach as part of the response to rising motorcycle fatalities.","House Bill 190 (first substitute) was favorably recommended by the House Transportation Committee after testimony about a 15‑year high in motorcycle fatalities and law‑enforcement support for added administrative penalties tied to existing infractions.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6364226,"Committee backs bill to allow registration refunds when vehicles sold midterm",739,65000,804000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59&start=65&end=804","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2165128-3c1dcfa6f0567156733e69848967ff59/thumbnail_65000.jpg","/articles/6364226/Utah/Committee-backs-bill-to-allow-registration-refunds-when-vehicles-sold-midterm","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6364226-d6c9b7e5ea08389c32d6d87c084e807c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771165424&Signature=ACp8ufbIRSAwfmKNFL1a~j8CLvMlyxrcZqU594Y8zX3iy8JHSOD2VK76GuUmcwXsgm4dKYdXShtHR~iSjvIDaGY9R8KjmPqxKWNNLK93dVjfS1qEZIYFnxzSYITQXXVabmkuswOTvj3L32jxuHiGIpHngdr76f-JD58EFwkHOdf8YFXSk36VeRLuHDQvuAiH-ormnRBwA4yooVp4aviRlJMq49xWdBDcjunRSSuX5fWaonIbGRXe9ohLfdIpC1ropFVgiVbvuwBjOX3OLQKZvhpp58D8zobsXGmEruZ3RO2upWHCq-egGhQl~Ht5fAEocZiLV-1~CELbV7iXR4P8Gg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Representative Katie Hall told the House Transportation Committee that House Bill 277 would create a refund option for motor vehicle re‑registration and uniform fees when a vehicle is sold before the registration year ends.

The bill would allow vehicle owners to apply online for a prorated refund of the registration and the uniform fees for the unused months after sale; certain fees marked with double stars in the bill (the electronic fee, the driver education fee and the uninsured motorist fee) would not be refundable, Hall said.

\"They will take just a fee that the cost of, like, getting that done. They thought it would be 3 or $4 or something,\" Representative Katie Hall said, describing the administration charge the Tax Commission would retain. Hall also said the one‑time programming cost to enable the refund option appears in the fiscal note at about $23,000.

Leigh Felder, director of legislative affairs for the Utah Department of Transportation, told the committee UDOT was neutral on the bill but highlighted the fiscal impact calculated by the Tax Commission. \"It is a $5,000,000 hit to the transportation fund,\" Felder said, and added that the reduction could have project impacts for that fund.

A member of the public, Brad Peterson, testified in support of the bill, describing a 2022 case in which supply‑chain delays led him to pay registration twice in a short span. \"We paid a hundred and $19 for a whole 5 days of use,\" Peterson said, arguing the refund option would be fair to taxpayers.

Adam Jones of the Utah Automotive Alliance clarified that the bill applies to passenger vehicles and that heavier vehicles (above the current weight threshold) are treated differently under the age‑based property tax rules.

Representative Thurston moved that the committee favorably recommend HB 277. The committee voted by voice; the chair ruled the motion passed unanimously.

The bill text would require the Tax Commission to implement online claims and to withhold administrative costs if the cost to process a refund would exceed the refund amount, Hall said.

Committee next steps: the committee gave HB 277 a favorable recommendation to the House with no recorded opposition. The committee did not adopt amendments during the hearing.

Votes at a glance: The committee voice vote resulted in a favorable recommendation; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the transcript.","The House Transportation Committee gave a favorable recommendation to House Bill 277, which would let owners apply for prorated refunds of motor vehicle registration and uniform fees when a vehicle is sold before the registration year ends; the bill passed the committee unanimously.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee clarifies corridor preservation fund can buy rights‑of‑way for fixed‑guideway transit

Committee raises fine for unendorsed motorcycle operation but waives it if rider completes safety training

Committee approves bill adding 90‑day motorcycle endorsement suspension for lane splitting, wheelies, hidden plates

Committee backs bill to allow registration refunds when vehicles sold midterm