3/21/06-A $1 billion transportation funding plan has died that would have imposed higher fees for registering vehicles, particularly large trucks, increase taxes on vehicle sales, and on gasoline and diesel sales.
SB708 remained in the House Finance March 6, the deadline to advance to the full chamber.

2/17/06-The Senate voted 34-6 Feb. 17 to approve a $1 billion transportation funding plan that would impose higher fees for registering vehicles, particularly large trucks, increase taxes on vehicle sales, and on gasoline and diesel sales.
SB708, sponsored by Sen. Charles Hawkins, R-Chatham, also would refund the payments of fuel taxes to those who save pump receipts for their personal vehicles.
Among the major funding provisions in the Senate package is boosting the per gallon tax on diesel from 16 cents to 17.5 cents, generating $20 million annually.
It would double registration fees on vehicles at least 10,000 pounds based on weight, estimated to bring in $95 million a year.
The effort also would raise the motor vehicle sales tax from 3 percent to 3.75 percent over the next three years.
In addition, it would impose higher fines on drivers convicted of serious traffic offenses. Persistent abusive drivers would see significantly higher fines, bringing in more than $48 million annually.
In addition, the plan would remove the sales tax exemption on fuel, effectively increasing the tax by 5 cents on the dollar and generating $380 million a year.
About $114 million annually would be set aside to pay for mass transit projects while roads would claim $663 million. Another $210 million a year would go to localities to address regional transportation needs.
The biggest perk for consumers is a rebate program for fuel purchased for personal vehicles. Consumers could send their gas receipts to the Department of Motor Vehicles and get back a refund check worth $5 for every $100 spent on fuel.
The bill has moved to the House.
For bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-888-892-6948.