Texas House Bill HB207

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the rates of the state gasoline and diesel fuel taxes; increasing tax rates; authorizing a change in tax rates.

Impact

The enactment of HB 207 is expected to have significant implications for state revenues, particularly in funding infrastructure projects, such as road maintenance and construction. By indexing the tax rates to the CPI, the bill not only aims to generate additional revenue but also intends to mitigate the loss of purchasing power over time. Supporters argue this is a necessary step to sustain and improve transportation infrastructure in Texas, which relies heavily on gas and diesel tax for funding.

Summary

House Bill 207 seeks to amend the Tax Code by increasing the rates of state gasoline and diesel fuel taxes. Specifically, it proposes to raise the gasoline tax from 20 cents to 22 cents per gallon and to implement a similar increase for diesel fuel. The bill introduces a mechanism for annual adjustments in tax rates based on changes to the consumer price index (CPI). This approach aims to ensure that the tax rates keep pace with inflation, thereby stabilizing and potentially increasing state revenue from fuel taxes over time.

Contention

Despite its intended benefits, HB 207 has faced contention. Critics of the bill express concerns that increasing gas and diesel taxes could disproportionately affect lower-income residents and those who rely on personal vehicles for their daily commute. There are also worries about the potential economic impact on businesses that heavily depend on transportation. The dialogue within the legislature reveals a spectrum of opinions, with proponents highlighting the need for sustainable infrastructure funding and opponents cautioning against the financial burden on constituents.