SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5308
As of January 28, 2022
Title: An act relating to reducing certain transportation electrification fees on hybrid vehicles.
Brief Description: Reducing certain transportation electrification fees on hybrid vehicles.
Sponsors: Senators Short, Stanford and Wilson, L..
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Transportation: 2/18/21; 2/03/22.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Repeals the annual $75 hybrid vehicle transportation electrification fee.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Staff: Bryon Moore (786-7726)
Background:

Electric Vehicle Fees.  In addition to any other fees due at annual vehicle registration renewal, an electric or hybrid vehicle using at least one method of propulsion capable of being reenergized by an external source of electricity and is capable of traveling at least 30 miles using only battery power, powered by electricity, are subject to two electric vehicle fees that total $150.  The first fee is $100 and is deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund, up to $1 million annually.  If in any year the amount collected exceeds $1 million, the excess amount is distributed as follows: 70 percent to the Motor Vehicle Fund; 15 percent to the Transportation Improvement Account; and 15 percent to the Rural Arterial Trust Account. 

 

The second fee is $50.  The first $1 million raised by the fee must be deposited into the Multimodal Transportation Account.  Any remaining amounts must be deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.  The $1 million threshold was reached in November 2017, and fee revenues from the $50 fee are currently deposited into the Motor Vehicle Fund.
 
Transportation Electrification Fee and Hybrid Transportation Electrification Vehicle Fee.  An annual $75 transportation electrification fee is imposed at the time of vehicle registration renewal on an electric or hybrid vehicle using at least one method of propulsion capable of being reenergized by an external source of electricity and is capable of traveling at least 30 miles using only battery power.

An annual $75 hybrid vehicle transportation electrification fee is imposed on hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles that do not pay the electric vehicle fee or the transportation electrification fee.  This fee is collected at the time of vehicle registration renewal.
 
Revenues collected from the transportation electrification fee and the hybrid vehicle transportation electrification fees are deposited in the Electric Vehicle Account until July 1, 2025, after which time, revenues will be deposited in the Motor Vehicle Fund.
Summary of Bill:

The annual $75 hybrid vehicle transportation electrification fee is repealed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Regular Session 2021):

PRO:  Many hybrid owners are low income or senior citizens, and this provides relief to them.  As the state is looking at transportation investments, there should be consideration of the impact of the existing fees.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Shelly Short, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.