Proponents of the measure to repeal the gas tax submitted a suggested title and summary that was changed by the Attorney General. Here is a comparison of the language.
Title and summary that was written by the Attorney General:
Title:
Eliminates Recently Enacted Road Repair and Transportation Funding by Repealing Revenues Dedicated for Those Purposes. Initiative Statute.
Summary:
Eliminates recently enacted state and local transportation funding for repair and maintenance of streets, highways, bridges, safety projects, and public transportation by repealing portions of the tax on gasoline ($0.12 per gallon) and diesel fuel ($0.20 per gallon), sales and excise taxes on diesel fuel (4% per gallon), vehicle registration fees ($25-$175, depending on vehicle value), and $100 zero-emission vehicle fee. Eliminates Independent Office of Audits and Investigations, which is responsible for ensuring accountability in the use of revenue for transportation projects.
Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government:
Reduced annual state transportation revenues of $2.9 billion in 2018-19, increasing to $4.9 billion annually by 2020-21. These revenues would otherwise primarily support state highway maintenance and rehabilitation, local streets and roads, and mass transit.
Title and summary that was proposed by proponents of the initiative:
Title:
Repeals recent legislation that created new gas tax, diesel tax, vehicle registration fee, and zero-emission vehicle fee. Initiative Statute.
Summary:
Initiative Statute. Repeals 12-cent per gallon gas tax and 20-cent per gallon diesel tax that take effect November 1, 2017. Repeals $25-$175 vehicle registration fee that takes effect January 1, 2018. Repeals $100 zero emission vehicle fee that takes effect July 1, 2020. Repeals transportation spending programs funded by these taxes and fees.
Summary of estimate by Legislative Analyst and Director of Finance of fiscal impact on state and local government:
Decreased revenue to state and local governments of about $5.2 billion annually.