Legislative Watch 
LEGISLATIVE
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11/1/05-A bill in the Joint Committee on Finance would stop the annual indexing of motor fuels and institute at least a 30-day fuel tax holiday.
Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Nass, R-Whitewater, the effort would eliminate 29.9 cents per gallon from the state’s gasoline and diesel tax for 30 days. It would not suspend the 3-cent-per-gallon oil inspection fee.
Gov. Jim Doyle would also have the option to extend the holiday another 30 days.
After the tax holiday, the per-gallon tax would be phased back into effect. The tax rate would increase 5 cents per gallon for the first three days. Four days later, the rate would climb another 5 cents. The rate would continue to grow by a nickel every four days until it returns to the pre-holiday rate.
AB797 doesn’t address the status of the International Fuel Tax Agreement requirements for miles driven in Wisconsin. So, even if the tax is suspended at the pump, truckers could end up owing it at the end of the quarter when they file their IFTA paperwork and payments.
The second part of the bill would end automatic increases in the state’s fuel tax and require lawmakers to annually vote on any tax changes.
The automatic increase in the tax has been adjusted for inflation on April 1 each year since 1985. This year, the tax increased 0.8 cents a gallon.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.
