Speed Limit Bill Speeds Toward Final Vote

Legislation raising speed limits in Idaho has cleared a committee and could go before the full House by the end of the week.

The Transportation and Defense Committee voted Wednesday afternoon to approve a bill raising the speed limit on interstates to 75 mph, and allowing the Transportation Department to decide where speed limits should be raised to 65 mph on rural highways.

The bill cleared the Senate 28-7 last month.

Insurance company lobbyists warned it would increase accidents, deaths and property damage.

But sponsor Sen. Evan Frasure, R-Pocatello, said people already are traveling at 72 mph on the interstates and the higher speed limit would have little impact.