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Bill

HB 1008

Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Tax and Associated Mandated Devices - Prohibition (Transportation Freedom Act of 2025)

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Adams and 34 co-sponsors

Prohibits Maryland from implementing vehicle-miles-traveled taxes and mandatory tracking devices, citing privacy concerns but eliminating a potential transportation funding mechanism.

Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m. (Ways and Means)
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Bill Summary · HB 1008

Legislative bill overview

HB 1008 prohibits Maryland from implementing vehicle-miles-traveled (VMT) taxes and from mandating tracking devices in vehicles to monitor driving distances. The bill is framed as protecting driver privacy and preventing what sponsors characterize as government surveillance while blocking a potential alternative transportation funding mechanism.

Why is this important

States and federal transportation officials have increasingly explored VMT taxes as potential replacements for traditional gas taxes—which generate less revenue as vehicles become more efficient and electric. This bill directly blocks one policy approach to funding roads while raising questions about transportation revenue sources and government data collection. Maryland's transportation funding challenges make this debate financially consequential.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue implications: Blocking VMT taxes eliminates a funding mechanism being explored nationally; opponents may argue this limits solutions to declining gas tax revenues without offering alternatives
  • Privacy vs. functionality: Supporters emphasize surveillance concerns, but the tracking technology itself isn't inherently problematic—the debate hinges on how collected data is used, stored, and protected
  • Scope and future-proofing: The bill's absolute prohibition may prevent Maryland from adopting well-regulated VMT systems other states might implement, limiting policy flexibility
  • Implementation details unclear: The bill doesn't specify whether it bans voluntary pilot programs, opt-in systems, or only mandatory implementations

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

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