12/23/04-A bill that sought to postpone for a year a 2-cent-per-gallon increase in the state motor vehicle fuel tax has died.
HB458, sponsored by Rep. Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland, remained in the House Ways and Means Committee when the session ended earlier this month, effectively killing it for the year.
It called for permitting county auditors to test the quality of fuel sold in their counties, a power they do not have.
The state fuel tax is 26 cents per gallon. Last year, Gov. Bob Taft signed a highway construction bill that increased the fuel tax by up to 6 cents over three years. The first 2-cent increase took effect July 1, 2003. The final 2-cent increase, scheduled for July 1, 2005, would be suspended if Ohio’s return on the federal fuel taxes sent to Washington increased from 89 cents to 95 cents on the dollar and funding penalties for the state’s heavy use of ethanol were ended.
The bill also would have created a fuel price oversight committee to review fuel pricing and practices; as well as give county auditors the authority to test fuel quality.

5/4/04-A bill before the House Ways and Means Committee would postpone for a year a 2-cent-per-gallon increase in the state motor vehicle fuel tax.
HB458, sponsored by Rep. Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland, also would permit county auditors to test the quality of fuel sold in their counties, a power they do not have.
The state fuel tax is 24 cents per gallon. Last year, Gov. Bob Taft signed a highway construction bill that increased the fuel tax by up to 6 cents over three years. The first 2-cent increase took effect July 1, 2003. The final 2-cent increase, scheduled for July 1, 2005, would be suspended if Ohio’s return on the federal fuel taxes sent to Washington increased from 89 cents to 95 cents on the dollar and funding penalties for the state’s heavy use of ethanol were ended.
The bill also would create a fuel price oversight committee to review fuel pricing and practices; as well as give county auditors the authority to test fuel quality.
For bill status, call (614) 466-8842. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.

4/19/04-Rep. Tim Grendell, R-Chesterland, introduced legislation April 8 to postpone for a year a 2-cent-per-gallon increase in the state motor vehicle fuel tax.
HB458 also would permit county auditors to test the quality of fuel sold in their counties, a power they do not have.
The state fuel tax is 24 cents per gallon. Last year, Gov. Bob Taft signed a highway construction bill that increased the fuel tax by up to 6 cents over three years. The first 2-cent increase took effect July 1, 2003. The final 2-cent increase, scheduled for July 1, 2005, would be suspended if Ohio’s return on the federal fuel taxes sent to Washington increased from 89 cents to 95 cents on the dollar and funding penalties for the state’s heavy use of ethanol were ended.
Grendell’s bill also would create a fuel price oversight committee to review fuel pricing practices and the availability of alternative fuels.
It is awaiting assignment to a committee for consideration.
For bill status, call (614) 466-8842. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.