Illinois Lawmaker Pushes for Gas Sales Tax Holiday

Schweizer co-sponsors legislation to provide six-month tax break on gasoline

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of a lone gas pump on a quiet street, the pump's chrome and glass surfaces reflecting the warm glow of the afternoon sun, conceptually representing the financial burden of high fuel prices on local communities.As Illinois families struggle with rising energy costs, a proposed gas tax holiday aims to provide immediate relief at the pump.Danville Today

State Representative Brandun Schweizer (R-Danville) has co-sponsored a measure in the Illinois General Assembly that would create a six-month sales tax holiday on gasoline in the state. The proposed holiday would begin on July 1, 2026 and extend through December 31, 2026, providing much-needed relief to families struggling with rising energy costs and inflation.

Why it matters

With the upcoming America 250 events and increased summer travel, Schweizer says the state legislature needs to act quickly to pass this legislation and give Illinoisans a break at the pump. The current 5% state sales tax on gasoline contributes to a total tax burden of nearly 50 cents per gallon, adding to the financial strain on residents.

The details

HB 5738 would suspend the 5% state sales tax on gasoline for a six-month period. Schweizer is calling on his colleagues in the General Assembly and the Governor to support the measure before the May 31, 2026 adjournment deadline. The bill remains in the Rules Committee at this time.

  • The proposed gas sales tax holiday would begin on July 1, 2026 and run through December 31, 2026.
  • The Illinois General Assembly's adjournment deadline is May 31, 2026.

The players

Brandun Schweizer

A Republican state representative from Danville, Illinois who has co-sponsored legislation to create a six-month gas sales tax holiday in the state.

Illinois General Assembly

The state legislature of Illinois that is considering Schweizer's proposed gas sales tax holiday bill.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We cannot ignore the reality that families all over the state are struggling. Between rising energy costs, filling up at the pump, and putting food on the table, we owe it to our constituents to offer relief where we can. That is why I have co-sponsored this legislation. This is something we can control, and it will be an immediate step toward improving affordability for our residents. I am calling on my colleagues and the Governor to act now.”

— Brandun Schweizer, State Representative

What’s next

The bill remains in the Rules Committee, but Schweizer is hopeful the measure will be considered before the May 31, 2026 adjournment deadline.

The takeaway

This proposed gas sales tax holiday is a direct response to the financial strain Illinois families are facing due to rising energy costs and inflation. If passed, it would provide immediate relief at the pump during the busy summer travel season and leading up to the America 250 events.