Revises "New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority Act"; extends process for calculating gas tax rate until Fiscal Year 2032; imposes sales and use tax and additional registration fee on electric vehicles; appropriates $2.5 billion.
The bill extends the process for adjusting the rate of tax imposed on highway fuels under the Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax until 2032. This measure is designed to maintain revenue levels that support the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), which is vital for financing various transportation projects across the state. Additionally, the bill introduces a new registration fee of $300 for passenger electric vehicles and $450 for commercial electric vehicles beginning in July 2024, with the intention of raising revenue for the TTF. It also repeals the previous sales tax exemptions for zero-emission vehicles, further broadening the funding base for transportation initiatives.
Assembly Bill A4098 aims to amend the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority Act of 1984, with a focus on providing necessary funding for the state's Annual Transportation Capital Program for fiscal years 2025 through 2032. The bill proposes significant appropriations totaling approximately $15.96 billion over the eight-year capital program period, ensuring an average annual capital expenditure of $2 billion. A notable component of the bill is the requirement for $500 million to be allocated annually to the New Jersey Transit Corporation starting from fiscal year 2027 until 2032. However, there will be no appropriations made to NJ Transit for fiscal years 2025 and 2026.
While the bill is expected to bolster transportation funding, it is not without contention. Critics may raise concerns regarding the imposition of new fees on electric vehicle owners, arguing that this could hinder the adoption of greener technologies. Furthermore, the repeal of tax exemptions on zero-emission vehicles could be seen as a setback in promoting environmentally friendly practices within the state. Supporters, however, argue that the bill is crucial for enhancing New Jersey's transportation infrastructure and addressing the funding shortfalls currently faced by the New Jersey Transit, thus ensuring the long-term viability of transportation services.