Senate panel rejects proposal to let drivers prepay EV/tag fees; author struck title then bill fails

Senate Bill 13‑12, a proposal to let vehicle owners prepay the state’s EV/hybrid tag fee over 12 months rather than pay a lump sum at renewal, failed in the Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee by a 5–6 vote.

Sponsor Senator Boren said the measure aimed to ease the financial burden on families and small businesses that face the annual flat fee adopted in 2021 for hybrid and electric vehicles. He described the bill as an option to spread the payment over the year and avoid a single large charge at renewal.

During questioning, committee members expressed concern about the bill’s fiscal effect and which agency should administer any prepayment plan. Senator Boren said staff provided an estimate of a first‑year fiscal impact of about $1,055,000; he moved to strike the bill’s title to allow time to consider revisions and potential alternative implementing agencies such as the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

After debate and a closing statement from the sponsor indicating intent to explore staged rollouts and agency options, the clerk called the roll. The committee recorded 5 ayes and 6 nays, and the chair declared SB 13‑12 failed in committee.

The sponsor signaled plans to continue discussions outside committee to refine implementation and fiscal details before attempting to reintroduce a revised measure.