7/29/03-A fuel tax revenue package intended to help patch a gaping hole in the state budget failed to make it out of committee before the regular session ended in April.
HB1020, sponsored by Delegate Sheila Hixson, D-Silver Spring, would have imposed a sales and use tax on the sale of motor fuel and would have altered the distribution of existing tax revenues between the general fund and the Transportation Trust Fund. Under the bill's provisions, the sellers of motor fuel would have repaid the sales tax at a rate of 7 cents per gallon for 2004, with the rate being adjusted annually based on the average retail price of fuel for the prior calendar year.

4/4/03-Maryland lawmakers are considering a fuel tax revenue package to help patch a gaping hole in the state budget.
Reported estimates put this year’s budget deficit at more than $500 million, with another $1.2 billion shortfall predicted for 2004.
HB1020, sponsored by Delegate Sheila Hixson, D-20th District, would impose a sales and use tax on the sale of motor fuel and would alter the distribution of existing tax revenues between the general fund and the Transportation Trust Fund. Under the bill’s provisions, the sellers of motor fuel would repay the sales tax at a rate of 7 cents per gallon for 2004, with the rate being adjusted annually based on the average retail price of fuel for the prior calendar year.
HB1020 is in the House Ways & Means Committee. Three similar tax proposals – HB1163, HB910 and SB758 – also are being considered in the Assembly.
For bill status, call (410) 946-5400.