Senate approves ballot referral to ban taxing or monitoring vehicle mileage; supporters call it freedom protection, opponents cite planning and air‑quality harm
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Summary
The Senate voted to place SCR1004 on the ballot, proposing a constitutional amendment to prohibit taxation or monitoring of vehicle mileage. The vote was 17–12 with one not voting. Supporters argued it protects civil liberties; opponents warned it hamstrings local planning and air-quality work.
The Arizona Senate approved Senate Concurrent Resolution 1004 to send to the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment that would add a new section to Article IX of the Arizona Constitution prohibiting taxation or monitoring based on vehicle mileage.
Senators voted 17–12 with one not voting to place the measure before voters.
Senator Lela Sundarich (explaining her no vote) urged colleagues to be cautious about adding ballot referrals and emphasized concerns raised by counties and cities. Sundarich said that a broad prohibition on taxing or monitoring vehicle miles could limit local governments’ limited funding options and complicate transportation and land‑use planning.
Senator Jake Hoffman, a chief sponsor on the floor, argued in favor of the referral as protecting “freedom of mobility” and preventing government surveillance tied to mileage tracking or taxes. Hoffman described the measure as giving voters the choice to reject mileage-based taxation or monitoring.
Senator Sarah Cuby, speaking against the measure, highlighted public‑health and air‑quality considerations and said voluntary pilot projects to reduce vehicle miles can improve air quality; she warned that the amendment would prohibit local governments from setting goals or targets to reduce vehicle miles of travel when planning transportation or land use.
Senator Sundarich raised procedural and policy concerns during floor debate, noting county and municipal officials had told members they had limited revenue options and that imposing a supermajority requirement or preemption on mileage‑based policies would constrain local budgets.
The clerk recorded the final tally as 17 ayes, 12 nays, 1 not voting, and the resolution will be transmitted for placement on the ballot and voter consideration.