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HB 5011

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE HIGHWAY USE TAX.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Marcus Brown and 3 co-sponsors

Connecticut bill eliminates Highway Use Tax on vehicle purchases, removing transportation funding without identifying replacement revenue sources.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
#highways #salesandusetax
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 5011

Legislative bill overview

HB 5011 would eliminate Connecticut's Highway Use Tax, a tax applied to the purchase and registration of motor vehicles. The bill removes this revenue source entirely without specifying replacement funding or alternative revenue mechanisms. This represents a significant change to Connecticut's transportation funding structure.

Why is this important

Connecticut relies on Highway Use Tax revenue to fund road maintenance, infrastructure projects, and transportation programs. Eliminating this tax without a replacement would reduce state transportation funding, potentially affecting road conditions, bridge repairs, and public transit support. The fiscal impact could be substantial—Connecticut typically collects millions annually from this tax.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget impact: Elimination creates a funding gap for transportation infrastructure without identifying offsetting revenue, raising concerns about deferred maintenance and project delays
  • Fairness and burden-shifting: Removing a vehicle-based tax may shift costs to general taxpayers or require cuts to other programs, disproportionately affecting non-drivers
  • Economic effects: While removing a tax sounds appealing, it could result in reduced services or necessitate higher income taxes, sales taxes, or other fees to maintain current funding levels

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

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