On October 7th, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a bipartisan bill to suspend the state’s 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax through November 30th.

House Bill 3, Relief at the Pump, passed the House 111-1 on second reading and the Senate 41-0 later that afternoon. The bill now heads to Gov. Josh Stein for further action.

The suspension would run until after the long Thanksgiving holiday. The bill also requires that the savings show up in the price drivers pay at the pump. The General Assembly’s action follows similar steps taken this year in Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio to lower fuel prices.

In a press release from the office of Speaker of the House Destin Hall, Rep. Mike Schietzelt of Wake County said, “People are paying far too much to commute to work, drop their kids off at school, and run basic errands. Our duty is to help where we can and make everyday life more affordable, especially with travel holidays approaching. By suspending the gas tax, we’re relieving some of the cost pressures on working families.”

The legislation also backs North Carolina farmers during harvest season:

• Farmers can use dyed diesel in highway vehicles for agricultural purposes without penalty through December 31st
• Eligible farmers will not owe state fuel taxes on dyed diesel used in highway vehicles through the end of the year

Rep. Allen Chesser of Nash County said, “Farmers can’t stop their tractors because diesel is too expensive. They still need to harvest their crops and get them to market. And when it costs more to operate equipment, those costs get passed along to folks when they checkout with their groceries. Every gallon of fuel matters to farmers this time of year, and this bill makes it easier for them to make a good living growing the food we all need.”

The bill directs the state’s Stabilization and Inflation Reserve to replace the fuel tax revenue that would otherwise go to the Highway Fund and Highway Trust Fund. According to the Fiscal Research Division, the suspension is estimated to cost $362.3 million, and the reserve can cover it with roughly $156 million left over.

Rep. Erin Paré of Wake County added, “I’m a mom and a small business owner, so I know that high prices at the pump don’t stop there. They drive up other costs for families and businesses like mine. We cannot wait any longer. By planning ahead, we are able to provide this much-needed relief for NC consumers.”

Responsible budgeting by conservatives at the General Assembly is why North Carolina can provide relief at the pump without putting roads and bridges at risk.