Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB728

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

In taxes for highway maintenance and construction, providing for suspension of tax.

Impact

The impact of SB 728 on state laws is significant, as it seeks to eliminate a specific tax that is currently used to generate revenue for maintaining and constructing highways. This could lead to a reduction in funds available for essential transportation infrastructure, considering the reliance of state budgets on such taxes to ensure proper upkeep of roads and highways. Therefore, while the bill may provide short-term financial relief, the long-term implications for transportation quality and safety could be contentious.

Summary

Senate Bill 728 seeks to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to introduce a suspension of the tax imposed for highway maintenance and construction. This legislative proposal aims to provide relief from taxation associated with funding state transportation projects, potentially easing the financial burden on residents and businesses in Pennsylvania. If enacted, this bill would signify a shift in how the state funds and manages highway maintenance and construction projects, possibly leading to changes in upcoming budgets.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 728 appears mixed. Proponents may view this tax suspension as a positive step towards reducing financial strain on citizens and businesses, thus fostering economic growth. However, critics could argue that the suspension may compromise the long-term viability of transportation funding, leading to inadequate resources for necessary highway repairs and upgrades. This divergence in opinion underscores a broader debate about fiscal responsibility and infrastructure investment within Pennsylvania.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential consequences of reducing tax revenue allocated for highway and transportation projects. Opponents of the bill may express concerns that by suspending this tax, the state could face budgetary challenges in maintaining safe and efficient roadway infrastructure. Additionally, there may be worries about whether this suspension effectively translates to tangible benefits for constituents, or if it simply shifts the burden to future budgets and potentially diminishes the quality of Pennsylvania's transportation network.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB799

In supplemental funding for municipal highway maintenance, further providing for supplemental funding for municipal highway maintenance; and, in taxes for highway maintenance and construction,

PA HB2630

In taxes for highway maintenance and construction, further providing for allocation of proceeds.

PA HB797

In construction, improvement, maintenance and repair of State highways, providing for native vegetation along highways.

PA HB1796

In construction, improvement, maintenance and repair of State highways, further providing for duty on Department of Highways.

PA HB1128

In rural State highway system and State highways in cities, boroughs and towns, further providing for improvement, reconstruction and maintenance.

PA SB191

In rural State highway system and State highways in cities, boroughs and towns, further providing for improvement, reconstruction and maintenance.

PA HB286

In licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation.

PA SB415

In construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for maintenance program.

PA HB87

In construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for maintenance program.

PA SB1118

In magisterial district judges, further providing for adjudication alternative program; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege, for suspension of operating privilege for failure to respond to citation and for driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked, providing for driving while operating privilege is suspended for certain other offenses, for relief from administrative suspension and for relief from administrative suspension participation requirements; in fees, further providing for reinstatement of operating privilege or vehicle registration; and, in penalties and disposition of fines, further providing for inability to pay fine and costs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.