HB 4615 Summary

• Increases motor fuel tax on gasoline from 19 cents per gallon (through September 30, 2015) to 23 cents (October 1-December 31, 2015), 27 cents (2016), and 34 cents (January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2032), with rates declining to 19 cents in 2033 and zero cents beginning January 1, 2034.

• Implements identical tax rate schedule for diesel fuel, increasing from 15 cents per gallon to 21 cents, 27 cents, and 34 cents on the same timeline, with annual adjustments beginning January 1, 2018 based on inflation rate (capped at 5% annually).

• Creates "50-year roads lock box fund" to receive tax revenues exceeding 27 cents per gallon on gasoline and diesel fuel, with funds held and only released by legislative concurrent resolution for long-life road construction projects.

• Establishes licensing and tax requirements for alternative fuel (compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, liquefied petroleum gas) dealers and commercial users, imposing tax equal to motor fuel rates on gallon equivalents.

• Requires State Transportation Department to form "50-year roads task force" to develop comprehensive plan for longer-lasting, higher-quality road construction methods with goal of roads lasting 50 years while achieving at least 50% reduction in life-cycle costs by 2025.