VIDEO | “Rules are written in blood”: Rep. Joshua Penner slams regional transit overreach in Senate Bill 6309
Rep. Joshua Penner, R-Orting, delivers a powerful floor speech against Senate Bill 6309 and the dangerous precedent of allowing regional transit authorities to bypass local safety regulations. The proposed legislation provides enhanced municipal permitting tools that would allow these agencies to write their own development standards and vary from established local requirements.
Penner’s remarks specifically address Amendment 2334, which sought to prevent transit authorities from modifying standards related to steep slopes, erosion hazards, seismic zones, landslide-prone areas, and flood zones. He highlights the inherent risk of permitting transit authorities to apply for construction permits before land is acquired or local governments have made final land-use decisions. Penner argues that granting an organization the power to ignore height limits and setback requirements undermines the strict process of public engagement and sensible planning.
The core of Penner’s opposition rests on the region’s catastrophic potential for natural disasters. He warns that when agencies are incentivized to maximize build-out while minimizing planning for earthquakes and landslides, the results can be fatal. Because development rules are often written in blood to protect citizens, he urges the House to reject a system where transit authorities can prioritize their own convenience over public safety.
