Carpino Petitions for Hearing on Repeal of Highway Use Tax

HARTFORD— State Rep. Christie Carpino and her fellow House Republicans have used a parliamentary procedure to overcome Democrat opposition to a bill that would save inflation-weary businesses and residents money by eliminating the new highway use tax (HUT) on heavyweight trucks.

Republicans petitioned to raise H.B. 5290, An Act Eliminating the Highway Use Tax, after the Finance Committee leaders refused to schedule a hearing on it.   On Tuesday Republicans secured the required 51 petition signatures to force a public hearing on the bill.

“As a result of this new tax, residents and businesses throughout the state will foot the bill for the increased cost of doing business.  Everyday items that are essential in our households will become more expensive.  It’s critical that everyone affected by this tax increase has the ability to explain how it will impact them,” said Carpino.

Passed by Democrats in 2021, the HUT is levied according to a truck’s weight, classification and number of miles traveled in Connecticut. Targeted truck owners are required to obtain a permit to remit payments to the state, and it’s expected to generate $90 million in annual revenue. The HUT became effective Jan. 1, and businesses subjected to the tax are expected to make their first payments to the state on Feb. 28.

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