THE LATEST: LAWMAKERS APPROVE GAS TAX INCREASE

March 12, 2019

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The latest on a proposed gas tax increase (all times local):

1:30 p.m.

Alabama lawmakers have approved a 10-cent-a gallon increase in the state gasoline tax.

The Alabama Senate on Tuesday approved the bill on a 28-6 vote. The measure now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey who is expected to sign it into law Tuesday afternoon.

Ivey called lawmakers into special session to consider the tax increase to fund road and bridge construction.

The bill moved on the legislative fast track with bipartisan support. The Alabama House of Representatives last week approved the bill on an 83-20 vote.

The proposed increase would be phased in over three years. The tax would then be adjusted with construction costs up to a penny every two years.

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5 a.m.

The Alabama Senate will vote on a proposed 10-cent gasoline tax increase in what could be the final day of the special session.

Senators will begin debate Tuesday morning on the House-passed proposal and a related oversight bill.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey called lawmakers into special session to consider a 10-cent-a-gallon gas tax increase to fund road and bridge construction.

Ivey’s proposal has so far been moving on the legislative fast track with bipartisan support. The Alabama House of Representatives last week approved the bill on an 83-20 vote.

The proposed increase would be phased in over three years. The tax would then be adjusted with construction costs up to a penny every two years.

Senate President Pro Tempore Del Marsh said he is optimistic senators will approve the measure.