Louisiana House Bill HB582

Louisiana 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/2/21
• Refer: 4/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/11/21
• Refer: 5/12/21
• Report Pass: 5/17/21

Caption

Dedicates a portion of the existing tax levied on gasoline and diesel into the Construction Subfund and imposes a one-time road-use fee on electric and hybrid vehicles (RE SEE FISC NOTE GF EX See Note)

Impact

Furthermore, the bill introduces a road use fee system for electric and hybrid vehicles, imposing an annual fee of $200 for electric vehicles and $100 for hybrid vehicles. This move is intended to account for the loss of gas tax revenue from these vehicles, which typically contribute less or nothing to road maintenance funding. These fees are expected to be collected by motor vehicle dealers at the point of sale, with future communications sent to vehicle owners to ensure compliance with ongoing payments.

Summary

House Bill 582 establishes a financial framework to support transportation projects in Louisiana by modifying tax structures associated with gasoline and diesel fuels. Specifically, it allocates $120 million from the existing tax revenues on these fuels to the Construction Subfund of the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) starting July 1, 2021. This allocation aims to enhance funding for major infrastructure projects while ensuring that bond obligations related to these tax revenues continue to be met first.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 582 appears to be mixed, leaning towards support from pro-infrastructure advocates who see the need for increased funding to maintain and improve transportation networks. However, there are concerns from various stakeholders regarding the imposition of new fees on electric and hybrid vehicles, potentially impacting their adoption rates. Some view these fees as necessary for contributing to road upkeep, while others feel it could deter environmentally friendly vehicle choices.

Contention

Various points of contention have emerged during discussions related to the bill. Some legislators raised concerns about the fairness of imposing fees on electric and hybrid vehicle owners, who are already contributing to reduced emissions and environmental impact. The debates have highlighted differing views on transportation funding and the balance between encouraging eco-friendly vehicles while securing necessary revenue for infrastructure improvements.