Negotiators fold mileage‑based user fee language into conference draft; committee debates scope and EV treatment

Members of the Senate–House conference committee combined mileage‑based user‑fee text into a single section of the T bill and discussed intent language to make the program’s scope clearer to readers and stakeholders.

Senator Westman asked that the mileage‑based user fee be looped into section 4 of the conference draft; staff reported that the bill now places the mileage language in a single update section and adds the phrase ‘‘mileage based user fee’’ to the bill title. Committee members said the consolidation was intended to ease reporting and the eventual statutory structure.

The committee spent substantial time on intent language to clarify the transition from state fuel taxes to a mileage‑based system. Negotiators discussed framing the mileage‑based user fee as an interim step that would start with pleasure cars — especially electric vehicles — and then “gradually expand” to all motor vehicles once state fuel taxes are eliminated. Participants said the intent language should make clear the state’s long‑term goal so EV drivers are not seen as bearing a permanent cost shift.

Committee members also discussed federal funding and the risk of double payment if gas taxes and the new fee overlapped; they proposed wording to say the mileage fee would apply in concert with reductions or elimination of state fuel taxes. The committee said it will have counsel review the drafting and will revisit the precise intent wording at a subsequent meeting.