What happened: Mississippi legislators on March 21 approved legislation that will gradually increase the state gas tax by nine cents per gallon over three years and tie it to the National Highway Construction Cost Index every other year, limited to one cent per adjustment. The bill, which required three-fifths majority support to pass, also eliminates the state personal income tax for 10 years and decreases the state grocery tax. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves (R) signed the bill into law on March 27.
Why it matters: The state last raised its gas tax to the current rate of 18.4 cents per gallon in 1987. The bill is expected to generate nearly $300 million annually in new transportation revenue.
What happens next: Follow the ARTBA-TIAC State Transportation Funding Legislation dashboard to track bill progress in over 33 states.