Requires an audit to be conducted by the oversight division of the joint committee on legislative research before a fuel tax is implemented, requires biennial audits after the implementation of a fuel tax, and limits the jurisdiction of the state highways and transportation commission
Impact
The bill's implementation is expected to significantly impact state laws related to fuel taxation and the oversight of revenue generation from fuel taxes. By requiring audits both prior to and after the implementation of such taxes, the bill aims to safeguard against potential misuse of funds and to provide a clear assessment of the efficacy of fuel tax measures. This aligns with broader efforts to ensure fiscal accountability and transparency within state financial systems.
Summary
House Bill 1906 mandates that an audit be conducted by the oversight division of the joint committee on legislative research before a new fuel tax is implemented. This bill requires subsequent biennial audits following the implementation of the fuel tax to ensure transparency and accountability regarding the revenue generated and how it is spent. The legislative intent of the bill is to create a structured oversight mechanism aimed at increasing public trust in the management of fuel tax revenues.
Contention
There could be notable points of contention regarding the oversight provisions established by HB1906. While proponents argue that the transparency measures will foster trust and accountability, opponents may contend that the additional bureaucratic processes could hinder the timely implementation of necessary fuel taxes, which are often crucial for funding transportation infrastructure. Moreover, the limitation of jurisdiction of the state highways and transportation commission in the context of fuel tax implementation raises concerns over potential conflicts in governance and regulatory authority.
Relative to the legislative auditor, requires the auditor to provide for certain notifications of noncompliant auditees and requires auditees to designate an individual to file reports with the auditor and notify the auditor
Legislative auditor required to submit a report to the legislature related to an agency's implementation of legislative auditor recommendations, and money appropriated.
Requires local auditees and vendors who collect taxes on behalf of others to have certain annual audits and to submit certain sworn statements regarding tax collections to the legislative auditor (EN NO IMPACT LF EX See Note)
Provides that certain audits completed by the office of the legislative auditor shall be reported to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget on an annual basis. (7/1/14) (EN NO IMPACT See Note)
Creates an additional tax on motor fuels and requires the tax on gasoline, diesel fuels, and special fuels to be adjusted annually in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (EG +$551,600,000 SD RV See Note)