State representatives filed a bill last week that would raise taxes on gasoline and double vehicle registration fees for those in Kentucky. House Bill 580 was submitted on the final day to file bills during the 2020 Regular Session.
HB 580 is sponsored by Republican Rep. Sal Santoro and Democratic Reps. John Sims, Jr. and Russ Meyer. The bill seeks to raise Kentuck’s gas tax by almost nine cents per gallon for most drivers, while tacking additional fees onto both electric and gasoline-fueled vehicles in the attempt to create more revenue for the state’s road fund, which currently has a $500 million backlog of maintenance road projects.
If approved, gas taxes would increase from 26 cents per gallon to 34.6 cents per gallon. It also establishes a 7.2 cent increase on commercial trucks with two or more axles.
Not only that, but HB 580 proposes increases on annual fees for those who drive electric vehicles, as drivers would pay $200 when initially registering their vehicle and another $200 when renewing their plates annually.
Those who drive gasoline-powered vehicles and trucks would be charged a highway preservation fee when initially registering their vehicle, as well as during annual renewals. Fees could be tied to fuel efficiency.
HB 580 proposes doubling the registration fees for cars, trucks and vans, increasing the cost from $11.50 to $22. Motorcycle registration fees would increase to $15 from the current $9. Those who own RVs and campers would pay $10 more in registration fees, from $20 to $30 annually.
