Photo: Dan Goldblatt (WFIU News)
The bill could give full or partial control of toll roads to the governor.
House Republicans are considering changes to a controversial bill granting the governor authority to establish toll roads.
The bill transfers control over establishing private-public partnership toll roads in Indiana from the state legislature to the governor. After more than 70 amendments, some of which would restore partial power back to the legislature, were filed on the bill, House sponsor Ed Soliday pulled the bill back saying concerns that the governor could make any highway a toll road are unfounded because it’s practically impossible to do.
“What we’re going to do,” he said, “is probably offer an amendment that says we’re not going to do what we’re not going to do. So we’re not caving in, we’re just making it very clear.”
But some say the change will include shifting some authority back to the legislature, something Anderson Representative Terri Austin says is key.
“I think any legislative review and approval for existing toll roads or future toll roads is critical,” said Austin.
Soliday said they hope to act on the bill Wednesday.
