Legislation aimed at preventing an automatic increase in Oklahoma fuel taxes advanced quickly through the state Legislature Thursday as state leaders moved to prepare for a possible suspension of the federal gas tax.
House Bill 1370 would repeal an existing state law that automatically increases Oklahoma’s fuel tax if the federal government reduces or suspends its own gas tax.
Oklahoma Senator Grant Green and Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall said they worked with the Oklahoma Tax Commission after President Donald Trump called on Congress to suspend the federal gas tax.
In reviewing state law, lawmakers discovered a provision that would have automatically increased Oklahoma’s fuel tax by the same amount as any federal reduction.
“High gas prices are hitting Oklahoma families and small businesses hard,” Green said. “By passing House Bill 1370, the Senate stands behind President Trump to make sure state law doesn’t get in the way of Oklahomans saving money at the pump.”
Hall said rising fuel prices remain a major concern for constituents across Oklahoma.
“Oklahomans are feeling pain at the pump every time they gas up,” Hall said. “This legislation ensures Oklahomans will actually benefit from a federal gas tax suspension.”
The Senate approved the measure in a 41-7 vote before sending it back to the Oklahoma House for final passage. It passed the House 89 to 1.
Governor Kevin Stitt also praised lawmakers for quickly advancing the legislation.
“Should President Trump move to suspend the federal gas tax, Oklahomans will now truly benefit from this relief due to rapid action taken today at the Capitol,” Stitt said.
The bill would remove a section of Oklahoma law directing the state to increase gasoline and diesel taxes if the federal excise tax is reduced or eliminated.
