Senate Approves Measure to Modernize Truck Permitting Process

OKLAHOMA CITY - The state truck permitting system is slated for modernization after a measure passed recently in the Oklahoma Senate.

Senate Bill 410, by state Senator Kenneth Corn (D-Poteau) and state Rep. Mike Thompson (R-Oklahoma City), would earmark a portion of transportation fees that would be deposited in General Revenue Fund to be used for the modernization of the truck permitting systems and rebuilding of the weigh station infrastructure.

Under current law, truck permits are issued through a slow, archaic system often conducted for hours over the phone. The new system will allow permits to be issued immediately.

“Our transportation system has really suffered neglect over the years,” said Thompson, who chairs the House Transportation Subcommittee. “If we truly want to compete for good jobs and keep the transportation jobs we already have, we have to start using transportation revenue for improvement and modernization of our infrastructure.”

The bill would earmark a portion of truck permit fees and fines (the amount collected in excess of $1.2 million monthly) and deposit the cash into the Weigh Station Improvement Revolving Fund.

“This bill will give our trucking industry a shot in the arm,” said Corn, D-Poteau. “These trucking companies are losing way too much time and too many dollars waiting on permits. Considering that the trucking industry is such a valuable segment of our state’s economy, it only makes sense to dedicate resources to protect that industry so that both the state and the industry are mutually benefitted.”

Senate Bill 410 passed out of the Senate by a vote of 47-0.  The bill now heads to the governor’s desk to await his signature.