New Jersey Assembly Bill A3669

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/22
• Refer: 3/17/22

Caption

Provides three-month reduction or suspension of tax on highway fuels based on average retail price of unleaded regular gasoline; makes an appropriation.

Impact

With the bill's provisions, the tax on highway fuel fluctuates according to gasoline prices, offering a full tax suspension when prices exceed $5.50 per gallon. This could significantly decrease state tax revenues historically allocated to the Transportation Trust Fund, which is integral for funding the state's transportation infrastructure projects. To mitigate this impact, the bill appropriates funds from the General Fund to ensure transportation projects are not disrupted due to potential shortfalls from reduced fuel tax revenues.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3669, introduced on March 17, 2022, aims to provide a temporary reduction or suspension of the state tax imposed on highway fuels based on the average retail price of unleaded regular gasoline. Specifically, this bill outlines a tax protocol that will apply from June 2022 through August 2022, with the intent to alleviate the financial burden on consumers amid rising fuel costs. The bill mandates that the State Treasurer, in consultation with the Office of the Economist, will determine the average retail price of gasoline monthly to dictate the level of tax reduction applicable for that month.

Contention

The bill has sparked discussions regarding its implications on state revenue and the priorities of transportation funding. Proponents argue that reducing taxes could ease economic pressures on consumers struggling with high fuel prices, while opponents express concern about the long-term effects on transportation funding and infrastructure maintenance. The balance between immediate relief for consumers versus sustainable funding for infrastructure is at the heart of the debate surrounding A3669.