6-cent gas tax hike central to new transportation deal in WA Legislature

Washington lawmakers are considering a 6-cent increase in the gasoline tax, set to take effect on July 1, as part of a bipartisan effort to address a projected $1 billion transportation funding shortfall. This proposal, encapsulated in Senate Bill 5801, aims to generate nearly half of the estimated $3. 2 billion needed over six years to fund highway projects and support services like the Washington State Patrol. The revised plan aligns more closely with earlier Senate proposals and has seen some bipartisan backing, reflecting a collaborative approach to tackling rising project costs and declining gas tax revenues. Initial proposals from both chambers indicated revenue packages of $4.

4 billion from the House and $3 billion from the Senate, highlighting the urgency of the negotiations. In addition to the gas tax hike, the plan includes increases in diesel fuel taxes and various fees on vehicle sales and rentals. Lawmakers eliminated several controversial measures from earlier proposals, such as fees on electric vehicles and e-bikes, to streamline the new revenue package. The House Transportation Committee is scheduled to vote on the proposal as the legislative session approaches its end on Sunday. This tax increase comes as Washington's gas tax is already one of the highest in the nation, emphasizing the financial pressure on state transportation budgets.