OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma House of Representatives passed legislation Tuesday evening to address long-term transportation infrastructure funding.

House Bill 1712, authored by Rep. Brian Hill, R-Mustang, creates a Road User Charge Task Force to study methods that may be used to record and report public road usage, specifically for electric vehicles and electric/hybrid vehicles, as well as alternatives to the current system of taxing highway use through motor vehicle fuel taxes.

“This common sense, proactive legislation will ensure the stability of our roads and bridges as automotive efficiencies increase and the continued emergence of hybrid and electric vehicles,” Hill said. “By researching solutions for Oklahoma’s transportation needs now, we can ensure sustainable infrastructure for the future of our great state.”

The bill requires a report on findings and recommendations by Dec. 31, 2023. It also directs the Oklahoma Tax Commission to administer collection of any charges or fees associated with the voluntary opt-in Road User Charge Program.

According to a December 2020 report issued by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), at least 19 states considered 34 pieces of legislation addressing road user charges (RUCs) in 2019 and 2020.

Many vehicle manufacturers have announced their intentions to add a significant number of electric and hybrid models to their fleets by 2025.

HB1712 passed the House 81-15. It may now be heard in the Senate, where it is authored by Sen. John Haste, R-Broken Arrow.