Would you vote to raise driver’s license fees? State may let you decide

If counties want to increase vehicle registration fees to help pay for roads and bridges, it won’t be easy.

The Senate Transportation Committee decided Monday that local voter approval should be required before counties can levy an additional $5 fee on vehicle registrations. The committee also agreed to change how gas tax revenues are allocated to local road and bridge projects so that an additional $24 million a year is generated.

RELATED: Ohio House votes to raise driver's license fees

Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Frank LaRose, R-Copley, said he expects to take testimony on House Bill 26 early this week and put the measure up for a full floor vote as early as Wednesday.

The bill prescribes how Ohio will spend $7.82 billion on transportation over the next two years. The revenue comes from fees, federal highway money and the state gas tax, which has stood at 28 cents per gallon since July 2005.

The House voted 83-13 in favor of the legislation on March 1. Once the Senate approves its version, the bill will return to the House for agreement or rejection of Senate changes.

Related: Did you know you can get a ticket for starting your car unattended?

The bill would allow deputy registrars who run the state’s approximately 200 Bureau of Motor Vehicles offices to charge $1.75 more for transactions.

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