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The law does not apply in two cir- state government. ATA will be work- Dan Douglas, R-Bentonville, that would
cumstances: intermodal carriers, which ing with Hutchinson’s administration have dedicated to highways the tax col-
are governed federally, and oil and to modernize the state’s antiquated lections from the sale of cars, car parts
natural gas fracking operations, which commercial truck registration process. and car services. That money currently
Newton said traditionally have been Currently, the Department of Finance goes into the general fund and is spent
governed by a “knock-for-knock” prin- and Administration has only one office for other state needs.
ciple where the different policyholders’ in the state where carriers can register, The bill passed the House
insurance companies are responsible for and it must be done in person. Because Committee on Public Transportation,
their own insured’s losses, regardless of that, every carrier that can do so but it faced opposition from advocates
of who is at fault. ATA negotiated that registers in another state, and Arkansas for other state needs and, more impor-
compromise with Southwestern Energy. loses those fees and cash flow. Newton tantly, Hutchinson, who said it didn’t
The ATA has only two members who said it’s time for carriers to be able to fit into his budget. ATA was neutral
would be affected, and both wanted to register online in Arkansas. Also, laws on the bill because Hutchinson had
keep “knock-for-knock.” passed this session will provide extra not expressed his support and because
Newton said passing the law was funding for workforce training. ATA will it believes the best way to increase
a good experience because the ATA’s be advocating that some of those dollars highway funding is to raise the fuel
membership was completely united be dedicated to the trucking industry, tax. In a press conference, Hutchinson
behind it. It affects all trucking compa- which pays drivers well but faces a said he would appoint the working
nies, big and small, in every segment. driver shortage. group “probably within a week after
“Everybody benefits,” she said. “It’s The ATA also will be closely the session concludes, so we’ll move
a win for the entire industry.” watching the work of a task force that very quickly on that. Depending upon
Hutchinson has pledged to appoint whether there is a consensus arrived
WhaT’s nexT? that will study highway funding alter- from the working group, that will dic-
The ATA’s attention next will natives. The task force was created in tate as to whether any special session is
turn to two administrative issues in response to a bill sponsored by Rep. needed down the road.” ATR

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