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Debate over zero-emissions rideshare rebate exposes administrative and equity questions; bill deferred

Senate Committee on Transportation (joint with Agriculture & Environment for part of the day) · February 18, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

Advocates urged a small per-ride fee rebated to drivers to help high-mileage rideshare drivers buy zero-emission vehicles; tax/enforcement experts and committee members questioned whether existing tax enforcement mechanisms (chapter 251) or DOT administration are appropriate. The committee deferred SB 2995 for further drafting.

SB 2995 would create a zero-emissions rideshare rebate program administered by the Department of Transportation, funded by a per-ride fee and a dedicated subaccount. Proponents described the fee as modest and refundable directly to drivers at point of vehicle purchase to help high-mileage drivers switch to zero-emission vehicles.

Marty Townsend of Earthjustice said the model is similar to California's per-ride fee (cited in testimony as 9¢ per ride) and emphasized…

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