California Lawmakers Clash Over Gas Tax Study Bill

Rural groups support the bill, but GOP lawmakers call it a "sneaky" tax hike plan

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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California lawmakers are fighting over a bill that would study replacing the state's gas tax with a road use charge. Republicans claim it's a dishonest ploy to raise taxes, but several conservative interest groups and rural Republican officials actually support the legislation. The bill's sponsor says it's a response to declining gas tax revenue and the need for more sustainable transportation funding.

Why it matters

California's transportation funding system is becoming less stable, less equitable, and less sustainable as vehicles become more fuel-efficient and more drivers switch to electric vehicles. The state is projected to face a $216 billion shortfall in road maintenance over the next 10 years, which could lead to further deterioration of roads and highways. This politically charged debate over the gas tax study highlights the challenges California faces in finding a long-term solution to fund critical infrastructure.

The details

Assembly Bill 1421, introduced by Assembly Transportation Chair Lori Wilson, a Suisun City Democrat, would order the California Transportation Commission to summarize research on how to charge drivers based on road usage instead of fuel consumption. This comes as the state is expected to take in $31 billion less than projected over the next decade in gas tax revenue. While the bill has support from a bipartisan coalition, including major labor unions, business groups, and agricultural interests, Republican lawmakers have blasted it as a "sneaky" plan to raise taxes. Some GOP lawmakers have proposed suspending the gas tax instead, but experts say that is largely "political theater" that won't address the funding shortfall.

  • In 2017, then-Governor Jerry Brown championed a 12-cent gas excise tax hike to address a $59 billion backlog in deferred highway and bridge maintenance.
  • In 2022, Tuolumne County was rated as having the worst roads in California, with just $3 million in funding from the 2017 gas tax increase.

The players

Lori Wilson

A Suisun City Democrat and the chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, who introduced the bill to study alternatives to the gas tax.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California, who advocates worry could veto the bill due to potential GOP backlash during his presumed presidential bid.

Robert Poythress

A Republican Madera County supervisor who supports the bill and has been rallying support for it.

Kirk Wilbur

A representative of the California Cattlemen's Association, a traditionally conservative group that supports the bill.

Jaron Brandon

A Tuolumne County Supervisor and Democratic candidate for state Senate, who says the current gas tax revenue distribution hurts rural areas.

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What they’re saying

“(The bill) responds to a reality that we can no longer ignore. California's transportation funding system is becoming less stable, less equitable and less sustainable.”

— Lori Wilson, Assembly Transportation Chair

“It really can't be understated how essential it is … for the livestock industry that we properly fund our transportation system. I know it's a politically fraught issue, but what is entirely clear to me is that the status quo moving into the future is entirely untenable.”

— Kirk Wilbur, California Cattlemen's Association

“It's an election year and everybody's lining up with all their arguments, but it's really sad, because they are going to hurt the citizens of California in the long run.”

— Robert Poythress, Madera County Supervisor

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.