Arizona voters narrowly approved Proposition 141, which bars state authorities from imposing taxes and fees based on the number of miles driven. The Associated Press called the result, KJZZ reported on Nov. 9.
According to the AP, 51% of voters supported the measure. The result was called after 98% of votes statewide had been counted. A simple majority of “yes” votes was enough for the measure to take effect. According to a KTAR tally from Saturday, 1,154,661 votes (51%) were cast in favor and 1,109,510 (49%) against.
Prop. 141 is an amendment to the state constitution, referred to the ballot by the Legislature. It prohibits taxes or fees based on the number of miles a vehicle has traveled. It also bars regulations that monitor or limit a vehicle’s mileage without the owner’s consent. An exception applies to interstate commercial vehicles and to vehicles owned by state and local government.
A mileage tax is sometimes considered as one alternative to the gas tax. The gasoline tax funds the maintenance of roads and highways in Arizona. Its revenue is shrinking as more drivers choose electric vehicles.
Supporters, including the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, pointed to the protection of privacy and civil liberties and to the tax burden on residents. Opponents, among them the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, argued that the ban would limit options for funding roads. In their view, owners of electric cars also will not pay a fair share of road costs.
According to Tucson.com, no such tax has yet been officially proposed in Arizona. Early, unofficial results from the beginning of November showed the “no” side ahead. In the following days, as votes were counted, the “yes” side took the lead.
Source: KJZZ
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