Keith Goble

1 week ago | landline.media | Keith Goble

This year, about half of all states have at least considered legislation that addresses concern about third-party litigation financing. The legal term is used to describe instances when litigation financiers pay for lawsuits they feel have a good chance of being won. In return, investors receive a portion of an award or settlement. In many cases, the practice makes reaching a reasonable agreement more difficult because of the anonymous third party’s financial stake in the case.

1 week ago | landline.media | Keith Goble

Washington state lawmakers have approved differing transportation budgets. Both two-year plans include fuel tax increases. The $15.2 billion House plan covers operating costs and capital projects. The proposal appropriates funding for construction, preservation, operations and multimodal projects across the state. Funding is also included for the Washington State Patrol and the Washington State Department of Transportation.

1 week ago | landline.media | Keith Goble

Speed limit revisions are a topic of conversation at statehouses from California to New York. Most legislation calls for keeping speed limits for cars and trucks uniform. Two states with bills to add speed limit differentials are headed in the opposite direction. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association believes roadways are safest when all vehicles are allowed to travel the same speed. The Association does not advocate for a specific speed limit.

1 week ago | landline.media | Keith Goble

Oregon Democrats unveiled a transportation budget framework that would raise more than $1.9 billion every two years in new taxes and fees. State officials have maintained for multiple years that something needs to be done to address transportation-funding needs. Inflation has resulted in rising road costs, and the gas tax rate – the main source of money for state and local roads – is not indexed. As a result, state officials said, the excise tax is hard-pressed to keep pace with funding needs.

1 week ago | landline.media | Keith Goble

Concern about traffic safety during highway protests has spurred legislation to address the issue in multiple states. South Dakota and Tennessee were the first states to address concerns about people blocking busy roadways. In 2017, South Dakota law set the punishment for standing on a highway to block traffic at one year in jail and/or $2,000 fines. Tennessee lawmakers acted the same year to adopt a rule that quadrupled the possible fine for obstructing a roadway from $50 to $200.