Franchot Calls For Special Session To Halt Maryland Gas Tax Hike, Implement 4-Month Gas Tax Holiday

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot called on Governor Larry Hogan and state legislative leaders to convene a special session to halt a forthcoming increase in the state’s gas tax amid soaring prices. Maryland’s gas tax is scheduled to increase by 18% on July 1, with increases in the state’s tax on fuel indexed to inflation. The tax would go from 36 cents per gallon to 43 cents, which, according to Franchot, would be a “$200 million tax on Maryland families and small businesses.” The governor on Monday called on Franchot to “halt or minimalize” the tax increase, but the comptroller said he does not have the legal authority to lower or raise taxes.