5/2/03-A Senate bill that would impose a 5-cent-a-gallon fuel tax hike and an annual increase in motor carrier user fees is likely dead for the year.
Revenue would be deposited into the state’s highway fund.
S176, sponsored by Sen. Scott Richardson, R-Hilton Head Island, also would allow the fuel tax to be adjusted each year for inflation.
The bill has been in the Senate finance committee since it was introduced in January.
In the Palmetto State, most bills that haven’t received approval by either the House or Senate by May 1 stand little chance of passage in the current legislative term, although a committee recommendation and a two-thirds majority can put a bill back on track at any point.
Because this is the first in a two-year legislative cycle, all bills remaining in committee and those yet to be voted will carry to next year.

3/28/03-State Sen. Scott Richardson (R-Beaufort County) introduced a measure Jan 14 to increase the state's fuel tax by 5 cents a gallon. Revenue would be deposited into the state's highway fund. S176 also would allow the tax to be adjusted each year for inflation.
The bill is in the Senate finance committee. For bill status, call (803) 212-6200.

(Originally posted 1/22/03)