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SJR 8202

Amending the state Constitution so that state revenue collected from a road usage charge, vehicle miles traveled fee, or other similar type of comparable charge, must be used exclusively for highway purposes.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Fortunato and 1 co-sponsor

Constitutional amendment requiring road usage charge revenue be spent exclusively on highways, limiting state flexibility in transportation funding allocation.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 8202

Legislative bill overview

SJR 8202 proposes a constitutional amendment in Washington State that would require all revenue generated from road usage charges, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fees, or similar comparable charges to be used exclusively for highway purposes. This would enshrine in the state Constitution a restriction on how these specific revenue sources can be allocated, preventing their use for other transportation modes or state priorities.

Why is this important

This amendment would significantly constrain state fiscal flexibility by creating a dedicated revenue stream with constitutionally mandated uses. As states and municipalities increasingly explore alternative funding mechanisms like VMT fees to replace declining gas tax revenues, this amendment would determine how Washington can use such funds—potentially limiting options for transit, active transportation, or other infrastructure investments that some policymakers might prioritize.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal rigidity: Constitutional amendments are difficult to change, potentially locking in funding allocations even if transportation priorities or technology shift dramatically over time
  • Definition ambiguity: Terms like "highway purposes" and "comparable charge" lack precise definition, creating potential disputes over what qualifies and what uses are permitted
  • Transportation equity: Restricting alternative revenue sources to highways exclusively may disadvantage public transit, pedestrian infrastructure, or electric vehicle charging networks that serve different transportation needs
  • VMT fee implementation: As states pilot VMT fees to replace gas taxes, this amendment could prevent using that revenue for broader mobility solutions or could discourage Washington from adopting such fees if restricted to highways only

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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