State Gas Tax Legislation

Strong leadership from the governor may be the most important factor in passing state gas tax increases. But what happens when the governor opposes increasing the gas tax and the legislature supports it? Nebraska is about to find out.

May 9, 2015 - AASHTO Journal

The legislature passed the seven-cent increase on April 11, the final day of the legislative session. Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter signed the bill on April 21, also increasing registration fees by $21. On April 1, the bill had been considered dead.

April 24, 2015 - Northwest Public Radio

Look no further than the state with the lowest gas tax at 11-cents per gallon to see why even when gas prices are at their lowest in five years, it's still a struggle to increase the gas by less than a penny. Missouri may provide a better example.

April 21, 2015 - Planetizen

SB 16 would also increase the diesel tax (which hasn't been raised in over two decades) by 12-cents, charge electric vehicles a flat $100 annual fee, and increase registration and license fees.

April 20, 2015 - Planetizen

This St. Louis Patch-Dispatch editorial analyzes the legislature as well as the bill to raise gas taxes two-cent a year for three years, taking aim at Republican House members who will be "automatic no votes." Illinois may also increase its gas tax.

April 15, 2015 - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Gov. Nathan Deal will sign legislation to increase gas taxes through a state sales tax conversion to an excise tax. With new weight-based truck fees, motel fees, and electric vehicle fees, it will add $1 billion in new transportation funding.

April 3, 2015 - WJBF Augusta

The News & Observer's "road worrier" (not a typo!), Bruce Siceloff, provides ongoing coverage of the sad saga of North Carolina's gas tax, set to be adjusted downwards by statute.

March 23, 2015 - The News & Observer

The Idaho Trucking Association wants to reduce the state's $262 million road and bridge maintenance shortfall by passing a six-cent increase in the fuel tax over three years. The AAA opposes it because most of the bill will fall on motorists.

March 20, 2015 - Idaho Press-Tribune

It will be no April fools joke when motorists pay an extra six-cents per gallon at gas pumps in the Mount Rushmore State on April 1 thanks to actions of the legislature on March 13 and the likely signing of the bill by Gov. Dennis Daugaard.

March 18, 2015 - AASHTO Journal

Just before adjourning for the year, the Republican-controlled Utah House and Senate settled on a compromise—increase the gas tax by a nickel; the first hike in 18 years. Gov. Gary Herbert, also a Republican, has indicated he will sign the bill.

March 16, 2015 - The Salt Lake Tribune

This has been an eventful week for gas taxes. To update two posts that appeared recently, Gov. Terry Branstad of Iowa signed legislation that increases the gas tax by 10-cents on March 1. In California, a board voted to decrease the tax by six cents.

February 27, 2015 - KCCI Des Moines

If Republican Governor Terry Branstad signs the bi-partisan bill as signs indicate, the increase will be the most significant state transportation funding legislation since Republican Gov. Matt Mead of Wyoming signed a 10-cent increase two years ago.

February 25, 2015 - KCCI Des Moines

Gov. Dennis Daugaard, who pledged not to raise taxes during his first term, proposed in his state of the state to increase the state gas tax two cents on July 1, and then two cents a year thereafter, to fund state and local roads and bridge repairs.

January 18, 2015 - Capital Journal