The pain at the gas pump was slightly lessened today, as Gov. Josh Stein signed House Bill 3 into law, suspending the state’s gas tax until Nov. 30.
House Bill 3 passed the General Assembly Wednesday during a special session called to halt collection of state fuel taxes due to continued high fuel prices “Rising grocery, utility, and gas prices are making the costs too high for people across our state,” Stein at the signing Friday morning (today). “I am signing this bill to keep more money in people’s wallets, but this temporary relief is just one step. I remain committed to continuing to work with anyone who wants to make everyday living more affordable all year long – not just during election season.
Last week, Stein directed the N.C. Department of Revenue to cease enforcement of the prohibition on highway use of red-dyed diesel fuel through the end of 2026. President Donald Trump called for the same move on federal fuel taxes several days before, and a number of states have followed suit.
Speaker of the House Destin Hall, who with State Sen. Pro Tep — called the special session, said prices should begin to drop in a matter of days.
“The new law saves North Carolina families, farmers, and businesses money by suspending gasoline and diesel taxes until after the Thanksgiving travel holiday,” Hall said in a press release. “The legislation also gives farmers more flexibility to use dyed diesel during this year’s harvest season and ensures funding for road, bridge, and other transportation infrastructure projects during the suspension period.”
The state’s emergency inflation contingency funds will be used to make up for the loss in highway taxes during the suspension. Highway taxes are the primary means of funding for the Dept. of Motor Vehicles.
“Hardworking North Carolinians need relief at the gas pump, and help is on the way,” Hall said. “Years of responsible budgeting have put North Carolina in a position to provide meaningful relief when families need it most, and pausing fuel taxes is another way House Republicans are working to make our state more affordable for everyone.”
