Trucking Industry News: Maryland’s General Assembly Enters Final Weeks
With only a few weeks remaining in Maryland’s General Assembly, many issues still remain unresolved. The issues still being debated that concern the transportation industry include:
- Require mandatory off-loading of vehicles carrying perishable products if they exceed the gross vehicle weight limit by more than 5,000 lbs.
- Permit Baltimore City to install height detectors to electronically enforce time-of-day restrictions on prohibited truck routes.
- Authorize the Maryland State Police to adopt certain sections of Parts 385 and 386 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, governing new entrant carriers and carriers declared as imminent hazards.
- Tighten the procedures for public hearings and notice requirements before the MD Transportation Authority approves a toll increase.
- Prevent transfers of monies out of the Transportation Trust Fund.
- Eliminate an outdated certification requirement for drivers carrying controlled hazardous substances.
- Expand the sales tax to dozens of services, including motor vehicle repair and maintenance.
- Make the state’s cell phone ban a primary offense.
Perhaps the most controversial proposal came straight from Governor Martin O’Malley, himself. On March 14th the House and Senate committees in the Maryland General Assembly began deliberations on the Governor’s proposal to apply the state’s 6% sales tax to both gasoline and diesel.
- The current motor fuel excise tax of 23 cents/gallon for gasoline and 24.25 cents/gallon for diesel would remain intact.
- The 6% sales tax would be phased in at 2% per year over three years.
- The sales tax would be calculated based on the six month average cost of the lowest grade of gasoline and then applied to both gas and diesel.
- The tax would be calculated after subtracting the current federal and state excise taxes.
Maryland Motor Truck Association members joined the MMTA in opposition to the proposal. Where do you stand on the Governor’s proposal? Let us know how you feel!
MMTA’s top priority remains its opposition to any new fuel taxes that include diesel. on a proposal introduced by Governor Martin O’Malley that would If passed, the plan would generate $650 million in transportation revenues. Details include:
More importantly, voice any displeasure to your legislators and express your opposition to any fuel tax increase. Legislators can be called at 1-800-492-7122. The operator will tell you who your legislators are based on your home or business address. E-mails can be sent by looking up your legislators’ addresses at www.mdelect.net. Please act now!
The General Assembly adjourns on April 9. A list of all bills that MMTA is tracking is available at www.mmtanet.com.
If you have any questions about Governor O’Malley’s Tax Plan, please contact Middleton and Meads by calling 410-752-5588 or click here today!
With three locations to serve you throughout Baltimore, Washington and Virginia, Middleton and Meads will keep you “on the road.” So go ahead and do what you do best and let us take care of the rest. Our service professionals are experienced and knowledgeable. That is why companies of all sizes depend on us – day in, day out, mile after mile.
The Middleton & Meads Company has a long and respected history in the transportation industry. We are a family owned and operated company through four generations, celebrating over 90 years quality of truck, bus and equipment repair and service.
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Sources:
Maryland Motor Truck Association – MMTA E-News