Road usage charge debate returns to Olympia

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

This article was first published by TVW.

State lawmakers in Olympia are again debating a plan to establish a road usage charge for funding state highways. Supporters say the change would be more equitable for drivers and is necessary to replace declining fuel tax revenue. Opponents raise concerns about privacy, cost, and government control.

House Bill 1921 and its Senate companion bill would set a 2.6 cent per mile charge for drivers.

The charge would be collected at registration renewal, offset by the amount of fuel tax paid in the previous cycle.

The program would be phased in over several years based on vehicle type and fuel efficiency rating. The RUC would become mandatory for hybrid and electric vehicles first, in July 2029.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/03/03/road-usage-charge-debate-returns-to-olympia/

[RainCaster]

1. A broken idea

Until they find a way to account for miles in other states, this will be a bad idea.