BILL NUMBER: SB 485	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Senator Wright

                        FEBRUARY 26, 2009

   An act to add Article 4.6 (commencing with Section 172) to Chapter
1 of Division 1 of the Streets and Highways Code, relating to
transportation.



	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 485, as introduced, Wright. State Highway Operation and
Protection Program Emergency Funding Act.
   Existing law provides that the Department of Transportation has
full possession and control of all state highways and requires the
department to prepare a State Highway Operation and Protection
Program for the expenditure of transportation funds for major capital
improvements necessary to preserve and protect the state highway
system.
   This bill would enact the State Highway Operation and Protection
Program Emergency Funding Act and state the intent of the Legislature
to provide adequate funding to meet the needs of the State Highway
Operation and Protection Program in the 2009-10 fiscal year.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  Article 4.6 (commencing with Section 172) is added to
Chapter 1 of Division 1 of the Streets and Highways Code, to read:

      Article 4.6.  State Highway Operation and Protection Program
Emergency Funding Act


   172.  This article shall be known and may be cited as the State
Highway Operation and Protection Program Emergency Funding Act.
   172.1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
   (a) The State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP), as
established by the Department of Transportation pursuant to Section
14526.5 of the Government Code, provides transportation funds for
major capital improvements that are necessary for the maintenance,
safety, and rehabilitation of California's highways and bridges.
SHOPP is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of the state's
traveling public.
   (b) SHOPP is underfunded. Currently, SHOPP's funds can pay for
approximately 20 percent of the capital improvements that are
necessary to preserve and protect the state's highway system. SHOPP's
inadequate funding poses an immediate threat to the health, safety,
and welfare of the people of California.
   172.2.  It is the intent of the Legislature to provide adequate
funding to meet the needs of the State Highway Operation and
Protection Program in the 2009-10 fiscal year.