Committee requests five-year implementation plan, IT and privacy protections for mileage fee pilot

Senate Transportation asked legislative counsel and the Agency of Transportation to prepare a draft implementation plan and supporting analysis after a wide-ranging discussion of technology, privacy, outreach and phase-in timelines.

Damian Leonard said he had asked staff to prepare a five-year implementation plan that would include staged expansion from electric vehicles to plug-in hybrids and ultimately to light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, methods to account for in-state and out-of-state vehicle miles, IT integration options and cost estimates, and federal grant and reporting considerations. The draft will also consider phased definitions (a "subject vehicle" definition that can be updated over time) so statute need not be fully rewritten as the program evolves.

Committee members stressed privacy safeguards and payment access. One member said device-based tracking provides the most precise in-state/out-of-state accounting but is "very expensive," and many constituents prefer to pay by check or cash. The agency said existing DMV payment methods (cash, check, card) could be preserved for reconciliation at registration even if a monthly electronic option is offered. Members asked the administration to include a high-level privacy approach in the draft.

Patrick Murphy confirmed the administration has grant funding targeted for public outreach and emphasized the need for robust public engagement: "As part of our grant work, we have a substantial budget that is targeted exclusively to public outreach and engagement on this." The committee asked for scenarios showing administrative costs, default and deposit approaches for monthly plans, and modeling for rural and high-mileage drivers.

The committee discussed timelines and reporting: the transcript notes a draft implementation strategy and a transition strategy filing (discussed as due by Oct. 15, 2028) and an implementation target discussed in the session as 2031 for a broader rollout. Committee members asked that the draft include an interim oral report option to the legislature and a summer report to relevant committees so lawmakers can shape statutory language ahead of later stages.

Next steps: Damian will prepare the phased implementation language and staff will coordinate with AOT, ACCD and digital services to produce cost, privacy and payment-method scenarios for the committee to review.