A 30-day pause on Maryland’s gas tax is poised to become law Friday, potentially cutting prices immediately

A monthlong suspension of the state’s 36-cent fuel tax is poised to become law Friday, with the General Assembly expected to deliver it to Gov. Larry Hogan for his swift signature. That would make Maryland among the first states to pass a measure many others are considering to lessen pain at the pump. Lawmakers are hoping the tax holiday translates to a sharp drop in gasoline prices right away. The average statewide cost of a gallon of regular gas stood at $4.21 on Thursday, down slightly from an all-time peak of $4.31 six days earlier.