04-04-2025
Bill to extend gas tax program moves through Nevada legislature
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A bill moving through the Nevada Legislature would address gas taxes, allowing a potential extension of the current fuel revenue indexing program before it goes back to the ballot in 2026.
Fuel revenue indexing, which has been in place in Clark County since 2016, adjusts the gas tax rate to go up every year with inflation.
About $1.11 per gallon goes to taxes. Approximately 23 cents goes to the state, 18.4 cents goes to the federal government and Clark County gets around 70 cents.
Voters passed the 10 year program in 2016. Assembly Bill 530 would allow Clark County Commissioners to extend it with a two-thirds majority vote before it goes back to the ballot in 2026.
This comes as gas prices see another hike in Southern Nevada.
The average price per gallon in Las Vegas was recorded at $3.99 Thursday. That is a 20-cent jump from last week, according to AAA Nevada.
This is connected to a normal shift to summer gas blends, industry experts said.
However, some drivers told 8 News Now they worry it will continue to rise.
'I think prices are just going to keep going higher,' driver Nelson Borges said. 'No matter what.'
AB530, which is sponsored by the Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure, had a hearing Thursday.
'This has been a priority for leaders,' Democratic Assemblymember Howard Watts said during its proposal. 'Throughout the Southern Nevada community.'
Assemblymember Howard and others backing the proposal said it is important to keep FRI going to fund road projects and create new jobs.
Among those presenting the bill were representatives of the Regional Transportation Commission.
They cited fuel revenue indexing as the main funding for 702 roadway projects, 20,400 jobs, and more than 78 small businesses in Southern Nevada.
However, those who testified against AB530 believed the decision to extend the program should ultimately be up to voters.
'Are we afraid of a vote by the people? Do we believe in democracy?' Jenine Hansen of Nevada State Families for Freedom said. 'I think it's very important we have a vote from the people.'
Drivers in Southern Nevada told 8 News Now while it's not ideal, they understand some price changes moving forward and will do their best to handle whatever happens.
'I would love cheaper gas prices,' Borges said. 'I just don't know if we can actually sustain that.'
If AB530 does not pass the decision would go to Clark County voters on the ballot in 2026; the current FRI program expires on Dec. 31 of that year.
A similar bill moved through the legislature in 2023, but Republican Governor Joe Lombardo vetoed it, saying the decision should go to voters.
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