Senator Steven Oroho’s (R-24) bipartisan legislation exempting school buses from the state’s motor fuel tax has passed the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

“Local governments should not use the property taxes they collect from residents to pay other taxes to the state,” Oroho said. “Government vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances are currently exempt from the state gas tax. Adding school buses to the list is a commonsense, tax-saving move that will benefit all New Jersey residents.”

Sen. Oroho’s bill, S-1697, clarifies that both public and private school buses will not have to pay New Jersey’s petroleum tax.

This legislation is designed to reduce the burden on property taxpayers and improve road, bridge, and rail safety.

“We’re now able to shift much more of the burden of paying for local transportation improvements from property taxpayers to the state,” Oroho added. “Local officials can now undertake critical road and bridge repair projects without burdening property taxpayers with the full cost. This bill is another step forward in the right direction.”