2014 End of Session Wrap Up: Tax and Revenue – Transportation Related Legislation

This post summarizes the status of tax and revenue bills related to transportation issues that MACo either considered or took a position on.

Highway User Revenue Restoration: One of MACo’ s 2014 legislative initiatives, HB 1067 / SB 664 would have incrementally restored local governments to a 20% share of Highway User Revenues (HUR) over a three-year time frame beginning in FY 2016. Prior to fiscal 2010, local governments shared in 30% of these revenues. MACo supported this legislation stating that with the recent expansion of transportation revenues, it feels strongly that it is now time for local governments to again play a more significant role in the State’s transportation funding plan.

Final Status:  Both bills had hearings in their respective committees, but no further action was taken. The discussion on SB 664 during the Senate hearing before the Budget and Taxation Committee led to the inclusion of $10 million for county pothole repairs in the fiscal 2015 budget.

HB 1331 / SB 765 would have restored local governments to a 30% share of Highway User Revenue (HUR) beginning in fiscal 2015.  MACo also supported this legislation.

Final Status: Both bills had hearings in their respective committees, but no further action was taken.

Special Taxing Districts for Transportation Improvements: SB 627 / HB 1279 would have authorized local governments to set property tax rates in special taxing districts for different classes of property with the revenues going towards state and local transportation improvements. This legislation also authorized those charter counties with property tax limitations to set rates at a higher level. MACo did not take a position on this bill.

Final Status: Both bills had hearings in their respective committees, but no further action was taken.

Local Vehicle Registration Fee: SB 629 would have authorized local governments to impose up to a $20 local vehicle registration fee. Revenues raised through this fee would be matched by the State through the Transportation Trust Fund.  MACo did not take a position on this legislation.

Final Status: SB 629 was heard by the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, but no further action was taken.