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HB 5081

AN ACT ELIMINATING THE HIGHWAY USE TAX.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Seth Bronko

Connecticut bill HB 5081 eliminates the Highway Use Tax on vehicle purchases, removing a major state revenue source without proposing replacement funding for transportation infrastructure.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Finance, Revenue and Bonding
#highways #salesandusetax
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Bill Summary · HB 5081

Legislative bill overview

HB 5081 proposes to eliminate Connecticut's Highway Use Tax, a tax currently applied to the purchase and use of motor vehicles. The bill would remove this revenue source entirely, affecting both state income and vehicle registration costs for Connecticut residents.

Why is this important

The Highway Use Tax generates significant state revenue that funds transportation infrastructure, maintenance, and related programs. Eliminating it without replacement would create a substantial budget gap that would either require alternative funding sources, reduced transportation spending, or cuts to other state services. This directly affects both state finances and the quality of Connecticut's roads and transportation systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue replacement: The bill provides no mechanism to replace lost tax revenue, raising questions about how transportation infrastructure will be funded and whether other taxes or programs would be cut
  • Equity concerns: Vehicle owners would benefit disproportionately, while non-drivers and lower-income residents might face increased burden if services are reduced or other taxes increased to compensate
  • Infrastructure funding: Connecticut's transportation infrastructure maintenance could be jeopardized without clarification on alternative funding sources for road, bridge, and transit projects

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

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