3/30/05-A bill that called for keeping the state fuel tax rate in line with inflation and fuel use has died.
HB1731, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, remained in the House Ways and Means Committee past the March 4 deadline for House bills to move to the Senate.
The bill would have increased the fuel tax by as much as 3 cents per gallon and provided an indexing formula so that in the future, the tax would automatically increase with inflation and as vehicles become more efficient.
The bill would also have provided a dedicated source for local road and street funding because 1 cent of the increase would have gone to local governments.

2/7/05-An effort offered by House Majority Leader Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, would keep the state fuel tax rate in line with inflation and fuel use.
HB1731, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Espich, R-Uniondale, would increase the fuel tax by as much as 3 cents per gallon and provide an indexing formula so that in the future, the tax would automatically increase with inflation and as vehicles become more efficient.
The bill would also provide a dedicated source for local road and street funding because 1 cent of the increase would go to local governments.
It is in the House Ways and Means Committee. For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.