Condotta introduces fuel tax transparency legislation
In an effort to shed more light on the taxes Washingtonians are paying at the pump State Rep. Cary Condotta has introduced legislation that would require a sticker to be placed on all fuel pumps displaying current federal and state fuel tax rates.
“With taxation must come transparency. I believe many people are not aware of the amount of fuel taxes they are paying when they pull up to the pump,” said Condotta, R-Wenatchee. “There may be some sticker shock if we get this bill through the legislative process. Right now, if someone puts 20 gallons of gas in their car, they are spending about $13.56 just to pay the state and federal fuel taxes.”
Under House Bill 2180 the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) would be required to produce a sticker for display on motor fuel pumps that provides information on federal and state fuel tax rates. The sticker would display the tax rate, in cents per gallon, for each type of fuel. Fuel tax stickers must be displayed on each side of the fuel pump where the price of fuel is displayed. They must also be displayed in a clear, conspicuous and prominent manner.
“With transparency also comes accountability. Our government is held more accountable if the citizens of our state are more knowledgeable about the taxes they are paying. Other states have this law in place,” Condotta said.
Washington state’s current gas tax is 49.4 cents per gallon. It is the second highest gas tax in the country behind Pennsylvania. The federal gas tax rate is 18.4 cents per gallon, 22.4 cents per gallon for diesel fuel.
The bill has 20 co-sponsors and has not yet been referred to a committee.
