Arizona House bill by Rep. Volk passes both chambers to regulate alternative fuel vehicle plates and HOV lane use

Passed bill authored by State Rep. Kevin Volk seeks to promote alternative fuel vehicle use by regulating special plates, allowing HOV lane access, and requiring maps to show alternative fuel facilities, according to the Arizona State House.

It passed both chambers as of May 6, clearing the House by a vote of 49-9 and the Senate by a vote of 24-4.

The bill, introduced as HB2887 on Feb. 10, during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature, was formally listed with the short title: ‘alternative fuel vehicles; HOV lanes’.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill amends section 28-2416 of the Arizona Revised Statutes to outline the regulations for obtaining alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) special plates and stickers, allowing vehicles exclusively powered by alternative fuel to use high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of occupancy. It specifies that vehicle owners may apply for special plates or stickers if their vehicles are exclusively powered by alternative fuels. Proof of such fuel exclusivity is required, along with an $8 administration fee which is waived for certain registered vehicles. The bill authorizes the issuance of personalized special plates, limits transferability, and imposes a $350 civil penalty for unauthorized HOV lane use by non-AFVs. Additionally, it requires state highway system maps to indicate the locations of alternative fuel delivery facilities. The bill aims to promote the use of alternative fuels by providing lane access incentives for eligible vehicle owners.

In the House, 25 Democrats and 24 Republicans voted in favor while one Democrat and eight Republicans opposed it.

Meanwhile, in the Senate, 10 Democrats and 14 Republicans voted in favor while one Democrat and three Republicans voted against it.

Volk introduced the bill in the Arizona House on Feb. 10 during the first regular session of the 57th Legislature.

Volk graduated from Brown University in 2008 with a BA.

The bill was signed into law by Gov. Katie Hobbs on May 13.

In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.