The Oklahoma Senate announced on May 14 that it has amended legislation to guarantee that Oklahomans will see lower gasoline prices if the federal government suspends the federal gas tax.
The amendment addresses concerns that a provision from the 1990s in state law would have automatically increased Oklahoma’s state fuel tax by the same amount as any reduction in the federal gas tax, preventing drivers from benefiting from potential federal relief. This action comes after President Donald Trump said he wants Congress to suspend the federal gas tax to help Americans facing high fuel costs.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Chuck Hall and Senator Grant Green identified this issue during a review of state law. The Senate responded by adopting an amendment to House Bill 1370, repealing what it described as outdated trigger language and ensuring consumers would benefit directly from any suspension of the federal gas tax.
“I commend Senator Hall and Senator Green for digging into this issue, working with the Oklahoma Tax Commission and identifying a solution that will allow Oklahomans to receive meaningful relief at the pump,” Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton said. “While some in the House spent the week posting online that they were ‘waiting’ on the Senate, senators were focused on finding practical ways to lower costs for Oklahoma families. The Senate has done its work, and I urge the House to take up this measure immediately so Oklahomans can benefit if Congress acts to suspend the federal gas tax.”
The next step is for members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives to consider and act on House Bill 1370 so residents may see savings at fuel stations should Congress move forward with suspending or reducing federal gasoline taxes.
