The state Senate Transportation Committee unanimously approved Senate Bill 242, which was introduced by state Sen. Joe Pittman, R-41st.

The bill is meant to reduce the amount of funding diverted annually from essential transportation improvement projects to support State Police operations.

SB 242 would significantly expedite the time frame for reducing the diversion of money from the state’s Motor License Fund, which supports highways and bridge improvement efforts, to the State Police.

The bill also would reduce the amount of time left in the plan to fund the State Police using transportation improvement funds from eight to four years.

S.B. 242 will now be sent to the full House and Senate for consideration.