The House passed Senate Bill 4004, which relates to the motor fuel excise tax. After much debate on the House floor, members passed this bill that will freeze the state’s gas tax at 32.2 cents per gallon.
Under current law the gas tax was scheduled to decrease 1.7 cents per gallon on Jan. 1, 2010 and another five cents in 2013. This law will change that, freezing the gas tax at it’s current 32.2 cent per gallon level for the foreseeable future. This action will allow West Virginia’s communities to benefit from millions of dollars in additional funding for roadway paving. This will especially help with secondary roadways that are ineligible for federal stimulus road funds.
The House also passed House Bill 411, which is a supplemental appropriation companion bill to Senate Bill 4004 This bill will now head to the Senate for consideration.
The House concluded the nearly two-hour session by passing House Bill 408, which related to definitions and the tracking of credits awarded under the Alternative and Renewable Energy Portfolio Act. This bill will also be sent to the Senate for consideration.
After a brief recess, the House reconvened to receive messages from the Senate and to adjourn Sine Die – concluding the business of the 4th Extraordinary Session.
