One-time funding measures, primarily bonds or general fund transfers, are the most popular type of state transportation investment legislation introduced since the start of 2018, according to the Transportation Investment Advocacy Center’s™ (TIAC) latest tracking report.
Twenty measures to increase transportation infrastructure funding have been approved in 15 states, among a total of 209 bills considered in 39 statehouses tracked by TIAC.
Other popular funding mechanisms introduced this year include:
- Allowing local transportation funding, 41 bills in 14 states.
- Providing non-fuel tax recurring revenue, including tolls, vehicle registration fees, and sales taxes, 36 bills in 17 states. Five bills in Kansas, Utah, Oregon and Connecticut were approved.
- Increasing state motor fuel taxes, 25 bills in 11 states. Only one state- Oklahoma- approved a measure to increase the state gas tax. Oklahoma’s 5 cents-per-gallon increase goes to the Roads Fund, which frees up General Fund revenue to be used for education purposes.
- Establishing a study or task force to investigate the state’s current transportation funding system and make suggestions for improvements to create more sustainable revenue sources, 18 bills in 13 states.
- Altering electric and hybrid vehicle fees, 13 bills in nine states.
While many state legislatures have adjourned for the year, 12 are still in session, and several— including Maine and Mississippi— are considering special sessions to address unfinished transportation funding proposals. Ballot measures are also pending in Missouri, Colorado, Connecticut, California, and Virginia.
Read the report to see more details about what is happening in each statehouse.