New Jersey Assembly Bill A3905

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/24
• Refer: 2/27/24

Caption

Prohibits State from imposing mileage-based user fee; prohibits use of State funding for any program, study, or pilot program related to imposition of mileage-based user fee.

Impact

The introduction of A3905 reflects a push against potential new revenue streams for transportation funding that rely on mileage rather than fuel consumption. With the growing discussion about transportation funding and its sustainability, the bill seeks to uphold existing state laws while addressing public concern regarding additional taxes or fees. By enacting this prohibition, it could significantly affect how the state approaches future transportation funding, potentially stunting innovative funding solutions that might have included mileage-based fees as a component.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3905 proposes to prevent the State of New Jersey from implementing a mileage-based user fee, a charge levied on vehicle owners based on the number of miles driven over a specific period. The bill explicitly defines 'mileage-based user fee' and establishes a firm prohibition against the state imposing such fees, emphasizing that no state funding can be allocated for any studies or pilot programs assessing the feasibility of this fee structure. This legislative move appears to be aimed at maintaining the current vehicle taxation framework and preventing any new taxation methods that could burden drivers.

Contention

There exists notable contention regarding the implications of mileage-based user fees. Proponents of such fees argue that they could better reflect the usage of roadways and the wear and tear that vehicles impose on infrastructure, particularly as electric vehicle usage rises and fuel tax revenues decline. Conversely, opponents, including the sponsors of A3905, argue that such fees could disproportionately affect those who rely on their vehicles for commuting and could introduce complex monitoring systems that infringe on personal privacy. As the debate continues, A3905 serves as a critical point of contention in the larger discussion about equitable transportation funding and regulation.