HB 1220 (2008): establishing a commission to study the taxation of alternative fuel and electric-powered motor vehicles for the purpose of funding improvements to the state's highways and bridges.

HB 1220 (2008)

establishing a commission to study the taxation of alternative fuel and electric-powered motor vehicles for the purpose of funding improvements to the state's highways and bridges.

• Status: Vetoed, override failed
• Term: 2007-2008
• House committee: Public Works and Highways
• Senate committee: Transportation and Interstate Cooperation
• Subject: Study Committees and Commissions

The Story

It was introduced on January 2, 2008 and referred to the House Public Works and Highways committee. The committee held a public hearing on January 9, 2008. The committee met in executive session on January 22, 2008 to vote on its recommendation. The committee voted unanimously, 15–0, to recommend that the House pass it. On January 30, 2008 the House voted to pass it on a voice vote. It crossed to the Senate on February 21, 2008 and was referred to the Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation committee. The committee held a public hearing on March 26, 2008. The committee recommended that the Senate pass it with changes. The committee's amendment (1126) was adopted on a voice vote on April 10, 2008, changing the text of the bill. On April 10, 2008 the Senate voted to pass it with changes on a voice vote and ordered it to a third reading. On April 23, 2008 the House adopted “House Non-Concurs, Requests Committee of Conference (Rep Bouchard)” on a voice vote. On May 21, 2008 the Senate adopted “Sen. Letournrau Accede to House Request for Conference Committee” on a voice vote. A committee of conference met on May 27, 2008 to try to settle the differences between the two chambers' versions of the bill. The bill was enrolled on June 5, 2008 — the final check of the text before it goes to the governor. The governor vetoed it on June 27, 2008. The legislature can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers. On September 24, 2008 the House voted 24–303 on overriding the governor's veto on a roll call, and the veto was sustained, failing to meet the two thirds threshold.

Sponsors

• Rep. John Cloutier (D - Sull 4) (prime sponsor)
• Rep. James Cyr (D - Straf 3)
• Rep. William Brennan (D - Straf 1)
• Rep. Alfred Lerandeau (D - Ches 6)
• Rep. Franklin Tilton (R - Belk 4)
• Sen. Robert Clegg (R - SD14)

Hearings and Sessions

• January 9, 2008, 2:00 PM: public hearing, House Public Works and Highways, LOB 201
• January 22, 2008, 10:15 AM: executive session, House Public Works and Highways, LOB 201
• March 26, 2008, 11:15 AM: hearing, Senate Transportation and Interstate Cooperation, LOB 101
• May 27, 2008, 1:30 PM: committee of conference, LOB 201

Votes

• January 30, 2008, House: Ought to Pass — voice vote, passed
• April 10, 2008, Senate: Ought to Pass with Amendment{1126}(New Title) — voice vote, passed
• April 23, 2008, House: House Non-Concurs, Requests Committee of Conference (Rep Bouchard) — voice vote, passed
• May 21, 2008, Senate: Sen. Letournrau Accede to House Request for Conference Committee — voice vote, passed
• September 24, 2008, House: SHALL HB1220 BECOME LAW — yeas 24, nays 303, failed

The Docket

From the General Court

• Bill status page
• Docket
• HC 9
• HC 50