Sen. Strickland’s bid to move yearlong gas-tax suspension to floor fails in procedural vote

A procedural motion to withdraw SB 1035 from the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and bring it to the Senate floor for a vote failed on a roll call on Monday in the California State Senate.

Senator Strickland moved under Senate Rule 28 to withdraw the bill for floor consideration, saying the proposal would temporarily suspend the state gas tax for a year and “mean lower gas prices for Californians by temporarily suspending the gas tax.” He cited other states’ actions, saying Georgia suspended its gas tax when prices rose above $4 per gallon.

Majority Leader Senator Ashby asked colleagues to oppose the procedural motion, arguing the matter should remain in committee. The presiding officer limited the debate to procedure; members debated whether to allow the bill to be considered on the floor rather than the bill’s underlying policy.

The Secretary called the roll. The Senate recorded nine yes votes and 22 no votes on the motion; the presiding officer announced, “The measure fails. The motion fails.” Because the vote was on a procedural request to waive committee referral rather than on SB 1035’s substantive provisions, defeat of the motion leaves the underlying bill to follow normal committee procedures.

Strickland told colleagues he was urging a vote “along with millions of Californians” who he said would benefit from lower pump prices. Ashby countered on procedure, asking senators to vote no on waiver.

No substantive floor action on SB 1035 occurred after the failed motion. The motion’s failure means the bill will remain in committee unless its author or the committee takes additional steps to advance it.