122nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 657		LR 0425(01)
	An Act To Amend the Vehicle Gross and Axle Weight Laws
	Fiscal Note for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Rep. Thomas of Ripley
	Committee: Transportation
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
					Projections	Projections
Net Cost (Savings)			2005-06	2006-07	2007-08	2008-09
	General Fund		$25,612	$25,612	$25,612	$25,612
	Highway Fund		$8,920,800	$8,995,800	$8,995,800	$8,995,800
Appropriations/Allocations
	Highway Fund		$8,400,000	$8,400,000	$8,400,000	$8,400,000
Revenue
	General Fund		($25,612)	($25,612)	($25,612)	($25,612)
	Highway Fund		($520,800)	($595,800)	($595,800)	($595,800)
	Other Special Revenue Funds		($18,588)	($18,588)	($18,588)	($18,588)
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill will reduce the fines assessed for excessive vehicle weight violations by changing the methodology of fine calculations.  The estimated loss of General Fund fine revenue resulting from this legislation is $25,612 annually, the estimated loss of Highway Fund fine revenue is $295,800 and the estimated loss of fine revenue to the Law Enforcement Agency Reimbursement Fund is $18,588 annually.  This legislation could also increase the number of times that these cases are contested and require additional court hearings.  This potential additional work could have an impact on the ability of the courts to process cases in a timely manner.
	Changes in how certain truck fines are calculated will decrease Highway Fund revenue collected by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles within the Department of Secretary of State from registration fees; the estimated amounts are $225,000 and $300,000 in fiscal years 2005-06 and 2006-07, respectively.
	Reducing certain fines for overweight vehicles will result in increased non-compliance with overweight vehicle restrictions, thereby increasing damage to the state's highway system.  The Department of Transportation estimates at least $8,400,000 in increased annual maintenance costs to the Highway Fund beginning in fiscal year 2005-06.