ACEC Ohio Legislative Update

This afternoon,  Senate Bill 475 and House Bill 1019, companion bills were introduced. The bills temporarily suspends the motor fuel tax for 93 days and appropriates $725 million for tax relief to supplement lost revenue to state and locals, and $1 million for payments to gas stations ($125 per station) to support compliance.  The bill contains an emergency clause to make it effective immediately. There is a differing of opinion on dollars needed, ODOT estimates $750 million but the bill only appropriates $725 million. 

The Senate General Government Committee plans to hold two hearings on the SB 475 this Tuesday and Wednesday, and House Finance will hold one hearing on HB 1019 on Wednesday. Both chambers are expected to vote the bills out of committee and place them on the floor for a vote on Wednesday.  The Senate is currently scheduled to convene at 1:30pm, and the House is scheduled for session at 2:30pm on Wednesday.

For this legislation to take immediate effect, an emergency clause will need to be included and will require approval by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate, which the legislation’s expected to receive.

Given the likelihood of quick passage in the current political climate, opposing the bill is not the most effective approach. Instead, ACEC Ohio continues to strategically communicate our concerns of a gas tax suspension and the importance of addressing any impacts on transportation funding and project delivery.