Ohio suspends its gas and diesel tax for 90 days

Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 519 on Oct. 1, suspending Ohio's motor fuel tax for 90 days. The bill carried an emergency clause, so the suspension took effect when he signed it instead of 90 days later. ^[1][2]

The pause covers the 38.5-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and the 47-cent tax on diesel. Lawmakers moved $725 million in surplus general revenue to replace the road and bridge money the tax normally raises, after an earlier version that drew on road funds was criticized. ^[1][2]

Both chambers passed the bill on Sept. 30 in bipartisan votes after Republican leaders called members back to Columbus. Senate Republicans used a rarely used procedure to limit debate and block amendments, and the language was attached to an unrelated bill. ^[1]

Republicans had talked about a gas tax holiday since U.S. attacks on Iran in February disrupted oil shipping and pushed up prices, but the idea stalled until it became an issue in the governor's race. Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton each called for one about nine days before the vote, on a day Midwest diesel hit a record $6.68 a gallon. ^[1]

Democratic critics said 30% to 60% of the savings may not reach drivers and called the timing political. Some argued the state should instead have used the $600 million it committed to a new Cleveland Browns stadium. ^[1]