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House approves transferring state sales/use tax revenue to highway fund despite opposition
Summary
After extended debate and two floor amendments (one withdrawn, one defeated), the House passed House Bill 33 to divert a portion of state sales and use tax revenue to the highway fund; final roll call was 48 ayes, 13 no, 1 excused.
The House on Jan. 27 voted to divert a portion of state sales and use tax revenue to the Department of Transportation, passing House Bill 33 after sustained debate on funding choices for Wyoming highways.
Representative Harshman opened floor debate by urging caution against diverting general‑fund sales tax revenue to a commission‑run highways account, saying the move could erode funding for core state services and leave the state vulnerable in downturns. “I urge your no vote,” he told colleagues after outlining fiscal risks.
Representative Brown, chairman of the Joint Transportation Committee and sponsor of the bill on the floor, defended the proposal as a targeted, non‑tax increase solution to a long‑standing shortfall in highway funding. “This bill as it stands is $70,000,000 a year put towards the roads,” Brown said, describing the funding as necessary to maintain and preserve the state’s 7,000 miles of highways.
The House considered multiple floor amendments. Representative Harshman initially offered an amendment to offset the change with a fuel‑tax alternative but withdrew it after floor discussion. Representative Nicholas offered a time‑limited amendment to make the revenue diversion temporary through 2026; that amendment (third‑reading amendment number 2) failed on a voice/recorded vote. After debate the House passed House Bill 33 by roll call: 48 ayes, 13 no, 1 excused.
Floor discussion included comparisons between using sales/use tax dollars versus fuel taxes or severance tax set‑asides, the effect on matching federal funds, the long‑term sustainability of highway funding, and whether the state should prioritize other agencies when reallocating general‑fund resources. Several members urged a permanent solution tied to user fees (fuel tax) rather than diverting ongoing general revenue, while supporters said the bill represents a politically achievable step to shore up the Transportation Department now.
The transcript records detailed roll calls and multiple speakers both for and against the measure. Final passage was recorded as 48 ayes, 13 no, and 1 excused.
