The Senate Finance Committee reported three bills to the floor of the Senate including one on Governor Justice’s Road plan.
Senate Bill 281 would increase the number of limited video lottery machines allowed at retail locations. The bill was reported to the floor with the recommendation that it pass.
Senate Bill 622 relates generally to tax procedures and administration. The bill gives the tax commissioner rule making authority on procedures and administration. The bill was reported to the floor with the recommendation that it pass.
Senate Bill 477 would increase the State Road Fund by raising DMV fees and motor fuel excise taxes. The bill will also increase the minimum average wholesale price of fuel.
Senator Palumbo (D-Kanawha) wanted to be sure that the Governor’s proposed tax increases from tolls was not in the bill.
Senator Boso (R-Nicholas) confirmed fo Senator Palumbo the bill he was speaking about is a separate bill.
The $42 million fiscal note would be from the DMV fees and $158 million would be from the gas tax increases.
Joey Garcia, senior council for legislation and policy for Governor Justice, said, “The money, based on this bill, would flow into the state road fund. The fund could be used for the bond plans that Governor Justice has plans for.”
The bill was reported to the full senate with the recommendation that it pass.
