Committee narrows EV taxes to DC fast chargers and passes HB145

Representative Mike Yin, the sponsor of House Bill 145, told the Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee that the bill aims to remove what he called “triple taxation” on resident electric vehicle drivers by targeting the alternative fuel tax to DC fast (Level 3) chargers and exempting Level 2 chargers used for overnight or workplace charging.

Yin (House District 16) said Wyoming residents currently face three overlapping charges: a $200 annual EV registration fee, sales tax on externally purchased electricity, and the alternative fuel tax. "What the bill attempts to do is try to balance between those who own EVs in the state who are paying this $200 fee and those that drive through the state with electric vehicles," Yin said, describing the measure as an attempt to align EV taxation with how gasoline is taxed.

Why it matters: Committee members and several witnesses said the bill would ease compliance costs that have forced some Level 2 charging stations to restrict public access since the licensing and tax program rolled out. Dennis Byrne, chief financial officer at the Wyoming Department of Transportation (YDOT), testified the move to a kilowatt‑hour basis and taxing only fast chargers simplifies administration and reduces the need to separately meter Level 2 stations.

Details and administration: The bill switches the alternative fuel tax from the gasoline‑gallon‑equivalent method to a kilowatt‑hour basis and defines the taxed class as DC fast (Level 3) chargers. It exempts Level 2 chargers—typically used for long‑dwell charging at hotels, workplaces, and downtown locations—and adds plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles into the statute. The bill also creates a refund program allowing resident EV drivers to submit receipts within one year for reimbursement of alternative fuel tax paid at fast chargers; the statute gives the department latitude to prescribe refund documentation and procedures.

Agency and public reaction: YDOT’s fuel tax administrators said they were prepared to run the refund program but warned it may require additional administrative time depending on demand; Wayne Hassinger said "it will be a little different process" but that the agency was "happy to administer it." Advocacy groups including the Powder River Basin Resource Council and the Wyoming Outdoor Council urged passage, saying the bill modernizes vehicle tax policy and protects local businesses and residents. Smaller charging operators told the committee that monthly compliance costs could outweigh the tiny sums of tax collected at Level 2 stations.

Votes and next steps: The committee adopted Representative Yin’s printed amendment and then voted on HB145 as amended. The clerk reported 7 ayes, 1 absent and 1 excused; Chairman Brown announced HB145 "is passed the committee" and indicated the sponsor would carry the bill to the floor within days.

The committee record shows the amendment was moved by Representative Geringer and seconded by Representative Posey. No implementation deadline beyond normal rulemaking was specified in testimony; YDOT told the committee it expects to address procedural details through rulemaking.