Rules Committee approves sending resolution to ratify governor's motor-fuel tax suspension to the House floor

The Rules Committee voted to put House Resolution 3 EX on the calendar and send it to the House floor after a brief presentation that described the measure as a ratification of the governor's temporary suspension of motor-fuel and diesel taxes.

Resolution Gimble, who was recognized to present the item, told the committee that the resolution is needed because the suspension took effect while the General Assembly was not in session. "This has saved Georgians almost a hundred million dollars," he said, adding that the amount is in addition to about $390 million in savings produced by a 60-day suspension under House Bill 1199.

Gimble said the ratification is being taken under the code of Georgia to formalize the governor's executive order issued May 15 declaring a state of emergency due to acute consumer price shock. He offered to answer questions about the legislation; none were raised during the committee discussion.

A member moved that the resolution "do pass." With no recorded opposition, the chair announced the motion would be placed on the calendar and transmitted to the House floor for consideration. The committee then adjourned and proceeded downstairs.

The transcript did not record a roll-call vote or list the member who made the motion. The dollar figures cited were presented to the committee by Gimble and are reported here as his statements.