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House approves larger off‑highway vehicle share of gas tax to fund trails after heated floor debate
Summary
On the session’s final day the House approved Senate Bill 4 to increase the transfer into the Off‑Highway Vehicle Fund (raising the transfer share and moving about $200,000 more per year) to pay for trail grooming and facilities; the measure passed 41–34 after debate on whether the change is a tax increase or a transfer.
Lawmakers debated and voted on Senate Bill 4, which changes the formula for motor‑fuel tax transfers into the Off‑Highway Vehicle Fund to provide additional revenue for trail grooming, trailheads and supporting facilities used by snowmobiles and other off‑highway vehicles.
Representative LeBaron introduced the bill, explaining the off‑highway community burns substantial fuel and contributes tourist revenue but does not use highways in the same ways as automobile drivers. Sponsors said the bill would increase the off‑highway share (described on the floor as moving from about 0.3% to 0.5% of the motor‑fuel tax base) and capture roughly an additional $200,000 a year for a restricted Off‑Highway Vehicle account. Supporters argued that dedicated funding would better serve trail maintenance and facilities without imposing a new tax burden on motorists.
Opponents pressed whether the portion of gasoline tax had been used for highways as intended and whether the State Tax Commission’s prior transfers were appropriate. Representative Arrington said his constituents opposed any tax increase and questioned diverting highway funds for other uses; the sponsor responded that the measure is a transfer of funds, not a tax increase, and that the statutory transfer mechanism already exists.
Representative Lee Allen, speaking in favor, framed the bill as fairness to users and local economies that benefit from recreation: “Let's promote this industry that is a growing industry.” After a call of the house, the bill passed 41–34 and was publicly read by title and signed for the journal.
What happens next: The bill passed the House floor and will proceed per legislative procedures recorded in the journal.
