Bill Positions

Bill Number: HB 479

Bill Title: Motor Fuel Tax - Increase

Bill Sponsor(s): Dels. Barkley & Bronrott

Subject: Transportation

Committee: W&M

Bill Summary: This bill would have increased the motor fuel tax rates for motor fuels other than aviation gasoline or turbine fuel by 2 cents per gallon on July 1, 2010, and by 2 cents per gallon on July 1 of each year in 2011 through 2014.

History: This bill died in the House Ways and Means Committee without a vote.

Chamber Position: Support W/Amend

Position Summary: The Maryland Chamber supports adding revenue to the transportation trust fund through immediate action, such as an increase in the gas tax. This legislation sought to address the shortage of funds in the Transportation Trust Fund, and increase revenue on a graduated scale. The Maryland Chamber recommended an amendment to specify that funds accrued from the gas tax be directed into the Transportation Trust Fund. For these reasons, the Maryland Chamber supported this legislation.

Position Statement: To view the Chamber's complete position statement, click here (pdf).

Chamber Staff: Allyson Black

General Assembly: Click here to view the bill on the Maryland General Assembly's website.