Legislative Update – Week 6

Transportation Committee Looking at Transportation Funding

This week, the House Transportation Committee passed HB 955 that would require the proceeds from any local sales and use taxes on motor fuels, or an equivalent amount from other local revenues, to be used for highway transportation funding purposes.  The legislation, which was introduced by the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, now goes to the House Rules Committee for possible consideration prior to the 30^th legislative day.  Existing Georgia law dedicates the 7.5 cent per gallon motor fuel tax and the 3% state sales tax on motor fuels for use on roads and bridges but does not require local sales taxes collected on those same motor fuels to be used for transportation funding purposes.  The so called “fourth penny” state sales tax on motor fuels is not dedicated to transportation, but instead goes into the state’s general fund.

The House Transportation Committee chairman also indicated that since some of our neighboring states levied both a motor fuel tax and an excise tax on motor fuels that his committee may study these funding options and their potential impact in Georgia during the coming months.

Clayton County Could Have Transit Vote Sooner than Later

Legislation that allows a county to vote on assessing a one percent sales tax for a “metropolitan area system of public transportation” passed the House Transportation Committee this week.  The legislation, which allows the collection of the sales tax prior to November 1, 2016, was requested by the Clayton County legislative delegation and House leadership.  The legislation heads to the House Rules Committee where it is expected to receive favorable consideration.

Another Short, But Very Busy, Legislative Week Coming

The legislature will be in session this Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for legislative days 27, 28 and 29.  They will return on Monday, March 3, for the 30^th legislative day.  All legislation must pass their originating body by that date for consideration during this years legislative session.  At least 75, and possibly more than 100 committee meetings, are expected this week to recommend legislation to either the House or Senate Rules Committee’s.  The final legislative day for 2014 is scheduled for Thursday, March 20.

Have a great week.

For detailed information on specific legislation visit:   www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx