REVISED
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27424 / S1312
The purpose of this legislation is to remove current restrictions on the potential establishment of High
Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on laned roadways in Idaho. Currently, the ability to designate HOV lanes
is restricted to counties with less than twenty-five thousand (25,000) in population, and in which a resort city
authorized to approve certain non-property taxes, pursuant to Idaho Code Section 50-1004, also resides.
In general, the primary purpose of an HOV lane is to provide a tool that transportation planners can use to
address traffic congestion where studies demonstrate an HOV lane would ease congestion better than other
alternatives. Most traffic congestion is occurring in the state’s most populous counties – those with substantially
more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) in population. This bill would remove the section of Idaho code that
restricts the designation of HOV lanes to counties with twenty-five thousand (25,000) people or less, and in
which a resort city resides.
FISCAL NOTE
This legislation will have no fiscal impact to the General Fund. There may be dedicated fund costs incurred
by local transportation planning agencies and/or the Idaho Transportation Department for studies deemed
appropriate to analyze the feasibility and impact of HOV lanes on certain corridors. Costs of construction
of added lanes may also be incurred as provided in a long-range transportation plan and approved in the
Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan.
Contact:
Senator Patti Anne Lodge
(208) 332-1326
Representative Rob Mason, (208) 332-1075
Ken Burgess, COMPASS
(208) 861-2052
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN REVISED: 02/25/2020, 10:22 AM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 49-1421A
Engrossment 1: 49-1421A