Hey [you], write your State Senator and Representative about hybrid incentive bills!

Please consider taking part in our democracy by writing your State (not National) Representatives and Senators, asking them to enact some or further state incentives for people to purchase more hybrid vehicles now. They aren't only good for the environment, the technologies used will eventually help free America from the shackles of foreign oil. The sooner this technology is widely adopted, the better off all of us will be. If you live in one of the states listed below (which I obtained here along with information about current state incentives) you might want to mention the specific House, Senate, or combined bills by name and number. Ask them to vote in favor of these bills. A phone call or hand-written letter is best, but even simple emails will help a lot. And if there are no bills being considered in you state right now, ask them to start doing so.

California
Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): AB 2616 would allow a $3,000 tax deduction for the purchase or initial lease of certain hybrid vehicles. Introduced 02/24/06. Re-referred to Committee on Revenue and Taxation.

Connecticut
Property Tax Abatement for Hybrid Vehicles (bill): SB 470 would allow a municipality to waive or abate property taxes on hybrid vehicles beginning July 1, 2006; Referred to Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding 4/11/06.

Georgia
Hybrid Income Tax Credit (Bill): H.B. 21 would provide for an income tax credit for the purchase or lease of a new hybrid vehicle. Introduced 12/14/2004--went to 2nd readers on 2/3/05.

Hawaii
Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): SB 2488/HB 3152 would establish a $1,500 tax credit for a new or used hybrid vehicle. Introduced 01/2/06. Referred to Senate committee 03/09/06. Referred to House committee 1/30/06.

Illinois
State Tax Credit for Hybrids (bill): H.B. 4163 would grant a $500.00 state tax credit for hybrid vehicles in tax years 2007 and 2008. Referred to Rules Committee on 10/27/05.

Tax Credit in Governor's Budget (bill): Governor Blagojevich has proposed a $500 tax credit for buyers who purchase highly fuel efficient automobiles in his 2006 budget request. Vehicles must meet a standard of 35 miles per gallon for gas or diesel vehicles and 25 mpg for flexible-fuel vehicles. Qualifying hybrids include Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, and Ford Escape Hybrid (front-wheel drive).

Massachusetts
Emissions and Maintenance Inspection Program Exemption (bill): SB 1380 allows exemptions from the emissions and maintenance inspection programs for any qualified hybrid motor vehicle or clean alternative fuel if such vehicle obtains a rating from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency of at least 50 miles per gallon during city fuel economy tests unless remote sensing devices indicate the hybrid vehicle or clean alternative fuel vehicle may not meet current emissions standards. Introduced 3/22/05, Reported favorably by the Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee and referred to the Senate Ways and Means Committee 9/20/05.

Promotion of Alternative Fuels and Hybrid vehicles (bill): S.B. 2220. For the years 2006-2010, individuals that purchase a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle, which can be powered by ethanol, low-sulfur diesel, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and hydrogen will register for a special placard and receive a number of incentives, including: an income tax deduction of $2000; a waiver for the initial $27.50 application fee for the Fast Lane Transponder; waiver of emissions inspections for hybrids getting at least an EPA-estimated 50mpg city; right to travel in HOV lanes regardless of passengers for three years following the enactment of the bill; discounts or free parking in municipalities which choose to participate.

The bill will require that five percent of all new state agency "fleet vehicles" be hybrids or run on alternative fuel, with 50 percent of the state fleet reliant on alternative fuels by 2010. A $10 million bond would establish a fund controlled by the Division of Energy Resources to assist municipalities and regional transit authorities in building alternative fuel stations on public lands and acquiring alternative fuel vehicles or hybrids.

Corporations with fleets of more than 50 comprised of at least 10 percent alternative fuel vehicles would receive a tax credit of half the difference in price between those vehicles and their conventional gasoline counterparts. Update: This bill, originally S. 2176, was revised several times and finally passed by the Senate on a 38-0 vote on 9/29/05, and discharged to the House Rules Committee on 10/26/05.

State Hybrid HOV (proposal): Officials of the Commonwealth’s transportation and environmental agencies, are considering permitting hybrid vehicles to be permitted regardless of number of passengers on the movable six-mile zipper lane on the Southeast Expressway during morning and evening rush hour, and the 2-mile high-occupancy lane on Interstate 93 southbound from Somerville to the Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge.

Maryland
Hybrid Tax Credit Week (bill): HB 0811/SB 876 would designate a 7-day period in April 2007 during which the purchase of new advanced technology vehicles (including qualified hybrid, fuel cell, and alternative fuel vehicles) would be exempt from the vehicle excise tax. Introduced 02/08/06.

Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): H.B. 212 establishes a credit equal to 50% of the motor vehicle excise tax for qualified electric and hybrid vehicles titled in the State from July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2009. Eligible vehicles must get 35mpg if they weigh 3,700 pounds or below, 30mpg if they are above 3,700 pounds. There are also a number of technology thresholds that help to determine the extent of the credit. Introduced 1/23/06 and referred to House Ways and Means Committee.

Maine
Hybrid Sales Tax Credit (bill): LD 305 (H.B. 275 and S.B. 95) would exempt from the sales tax 100% of the sale or lease price of a new hybrid gasoline-electric, fuel-cell, or hydrogen fueled vehicle. This bill also places a 5% surcharge on the purchase or lease for more than one year of a vehicle that does not attain at least 27.5 miles per gallon, as found in the federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy, CAFE, standards. The surcharge does not apply to commercial motor vehicles. Introduced 1/19/2005. Carried over to 122nd session of the House and Senate on 6/18/05.

Michigan
Alternative Energy Tax Credit (bill): S.B. 14 would provide a tax credit for the purchase of an alternative energy vehicle that by the definition of the Michigan Next Energy Authority Act (PA 593, 2002) includes hybrid electric vehicles. Introduced 1/12/2005 -- pending.

Business Tax Credit for Fleets (bill): S.B. 704 would provide businesses with fleets of 25 vehicles or more a $1000.00 tax credit for purchase or lease of an alternative energy vehicle that by the definition of the Michigan Next Energy Authority Act (PA 593, 2002) includes hybrid electric vehicles. Referred to Committee on Technology and Energy 8/31/2005.

Use Tax Exemption (bill): H.B. 5086 would exempt an alternative energy vehicle that by the definition of the Michigan Next Energy Authority Act (PA 593, 2002) includes hybrid electric vehicles from the Michigan use tax from September 30 2006 to September 30 2008. Referred to Committe on Tax Policy 8/10/2005.

Sales Tax Deduction (bill): H.B. 5223 would allow those purchasing an alternative energy vehicle that by the definition of the Michigan Next Energy Authority Act (PA 593, 2002) includes hybrid electric vehicles to compute sales tax based not on the price of that vehicle, but instead on a comparable vehicle powered only by motor fuel. Referred to Committee on Tax Policy 9/27/2005.

Minnesota
Hybrid HOV (bill): HF1243 and SF1536 would authorize single occupant hybrid vehicles to travel on high-occupancy vehicle lanes and toll collection. A decal identifying the vehicle as a hybrid for $15 would be required. SF introduced 3/10/05 and HF introduced 2/22/05. Amended and passed Senate Transportation Committee 4/4/05 (adding sunset provision in 2007) and House Transportation Committee 4/6/05. Passed by Senate 5/23/05. Received by House 3/1/06.

Sales Tax Exemption (bill): HF1171 and SF1227 would exempt certain hybrids from motor vehicle sales tax. The bill also defines fuel-efficient vehicles by weight class and mileage ratings. HF introduced on 2/21/05 and SF introduced 2/24/05.

Missouri
State Hybrid Income Tax Deduction (bill): H.B. 1092 authorizes an individual income tax deduction, for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2006, for a qualified hybrid vehicle that is powered by a combination of an electric motor and gasoline engine. The deduction is limited to the lessor of 10% of the purchase price of the vehicle or $1,500. The provisions of the bill will expire six years from the effective date. Passed House 4/20/06; Passed out of Senate Committee 5/10/06 and placed on the Senate informal calendar 5/11/06.

Alternative Fuel and Alternative Fuel Vehicle Rebates (bill): HB 798 would establish rebates for hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. For vehicles weighing less than 8,500 lb gross weight, buyers are eligible for up to ten percent of the incremental cost for a hybrid vehicle, with a maximum of five hundred dollars per vehicle or if the hybrid has no comparable conventional model on which to base the incremental cost calculations, up to ten percent of the total purchase price with a maximum of one thousand dollars per vehicle. For vehicles weighing more than 8,500 lbs gross weight, buyers are eligible for up to fifty percent of the incremental cost for a bi-fuel, flex-fuel, or hybrid vehicle, with a maximum of ten thousand dollars per vehicle or if the hybrid has no comparable conventional model on which to base the incremental cost calculations, up to ten percent of the total purchase price with a maximum of ten thousand per vehicle. Public hearing held 04/14/2005, in Agriculture Committee.

North Carolina
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit (bill): S.B. 1015 and H.B. 1766 would establish a tax credit for alternative vehicles. A taxpayer that purchases or leases a new alternative fuel vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle would be allowed a credit in the amount of $2,000.00. In order to be eligible for the credit allowed by this section, the vehicle must have a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds and must be registered in this State. The credit that would be allowed under this section is allowed only to the first individual to take title to the motor vehicle other than for resale. Introduced on 3/23/05-- referred to Senate Finance Committee on 3/24/05 and House Finance Committee 5/12/05.

Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Program (bill): S.B. 1038 would establish this program that provides grants efforts that reduce mobile emissions such as alternative fueled vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, truck stop electrification, and installation of oxidation catalysts and particulate matter traps on diesel vehicles. These grants will be funded by a surcharge on registration fees of motor vehicles that undergo emission testing. The surcharge will be determined by the amount of emissions the motor vehicle emits: more emission, the larger the tax. H.B. 1595 would establish a similar mobile source emissions reduction program funded by a surcharge on vehicle registration based on the EPA Green Vehicles Ratings Guide. Sent to Senate Agriculture/Environment/Natural Resources Committee on 3/24/05. Referred to House Finance Committee 5/5/05.

Advanced Vehicles Research Center Tax Credit (bill): S.B. 684 and H.B. 625 would establish a facility primarily used to conduct transportation research, development, and testing on vehicles utilizing advanced technologies, including hybrid and multifuel systems, hydrogen and fuel cells, and nonfossil fuel technology. A taxpayer that contributes cash or property to an advanced vehicle research entity for construction or operation of an advanced vehicle research center that is located in an enterprise tier one area at the time of the contribution is allowed a credit equal to the value of the contribution. Referred to Senate Finance Committee on 3/21/05 and House Finance Committee on 3/14/05.

New Jersey
Hybrid Income and Business Tax Credit (bill): S.B. 749 provides a $2,000 credit against gross income tax and the corporation business tax (CBT)for the purchase of qualified hybrid vehicles registered in the state. Introduced 1/10/06 -- referred to Senate Environment Committee. (reintroduction of S. 1920 from last session)

New York
Hybrid HOV, Tax Credit, and EZ Pass Discount (bill): Governor Pataki proposed three new hybrid incentives in his 2006 budget. They include: a $2,000 personal income tax credit to individuals who purchase new hybrid, alternative flex-fuel vehicles to help defray the higher costs associated with the purchase of these vehicles; a new “Green†E-Z pass, which will provide a 10 percent discount for drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids that average at least 45 MPG and meet certain EPA emissions standards, and; new initiative will allow cars and other vehicles that average at least 45 mpg and meet certain EPA emissions standards to use HOV lanes in New York City and on the Long Island Expressway -- regardless of the number of occupants in the vehicle (the HOV portion of this initiative has been enacted--see "Clean Pass HOV" section above). These proposals will have to pass the New York legislature in order to take effect.

Hybrid Tax Credit & HOV Exemption (bill): A 9166 would increase the tax credit amounts and limits for alternative fuel vehicles (i.e., certain clean fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles). It would also eliminate the sunset provision of the credits. The hybrid vehicle tax credit would be increased from $2,000 to $4,000 per registered vehicle. The bill would also exempt from sales tax the parking of alternative fuel vehicles in state owned or operated parking garages and lots. Additionally, it would allow registered alternative fuel vehicles to use any HOV lane, regardless of the number of passengers. Introduced 01/4/06 and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Hybrid Tax Exemption (bill): A 9898 would exempt hybrids from sales and compensating use tax beginning with taxable year 2006. Introduced 02/8/06 and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means.

Diesel-Electric Hybrid Buses Purchase Incentive (bill): S 6339 would establish a state program to encourage the purchase of diesel electric hybrid engine buses. The program would reimburse bus owners for two-thirds of the price differential for up to 3 buses per bus owner. Introduced 1/9/06 and referred to the Committee on Energy and Telecommunications.

ULEV Sales Tax Exemption (bill):A03152 is the reintroduction of AB 682 that would provide a state sales tax exemption for new vehicles that meet California's emission standards for super-ultra-low emission vehicles, and that have a fuel efficiency at least 1.5 times the average fuel efficiency for the class of vehicle. Referred to Ways and Means committee 1/4/06.

Sales & Compensating Use Tax Exemption (bill): S.B. 560 would provide a sales and compensating use tax exemption for retail sales of new motor vehicles that meet "clean vehicle standard" regarding emissions and fuel economy. States that a new vehicle meets the clean vehicle standard if, and only if, it is certified as meeting exhaust emission standards for super-ultra-low emission vehicles which the state of California has adopted, and has a fuel efficiency that is at least one and one half times the average fuel efficiency for vehicles in its weight class. Referred to Investigations and Government Operations Committee 1/4/06.

Free Parking for ZEV, SULEV, and hybrid vehicles (bill): A02425 and S 3125 would establish a state pilot program to allow a locality obtain guidance on how to implement its own free parking program for ZEV, SULEV, and hybrids. Bill would also ask the department of motor vehicle to establish a definition for "clean air vehicles" by which the owner that qualifies can obtain a designation to be placed on such clean vehicle for free parking. Referred to Senate and Senate Transportation Committees 1/4/06.

Registration Fees Exemption and Tax Credit (bill): A03271 exempts new electric vehicles, clean fuel vehicles, and vehicles that meet the clean vehicle exhaust emission standards set forth by California from the first year of registration fees. The bill would also give a tax credit to owners of said vehicles equal to 60% of equipment installed or manufactured as part of the vehicle. Maximum credit would be $1,000 for a vehicle with gross weight rating of 14,000 pounds or less. Tax credit would be available through 2007. Referred to Transportation Committee 1/4/06

Independent Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): A04021 removes qualified hybrid vehicles from the alternative fuels credit and established a separate and independent tax credits of $4,000 for the purchase of a qualified hybrid vehicle. Referred to Ways and Means Committee 1/4/06

State Hybrid HOV (bill): A04278 and S 92 would amend the vehicle and traffic law to permit drivers of qualified hybrid vehicles to travel in high occupancy vehicle lanes regardless of the number of passengers in such vehicle. (Different than AB 7474 because no toll exemption in this one so it is not a reintroduction.) to House and Senate Transportation Committees 1/4/06. Advanced to third reading in Senate Transportation Committee 3/13/06.

Nassau County Sales Tax Break and Vehicle Use Fee Waiver (bill): This bill, expected to pass soon, would provide a tax break on the county-portion sales tax on the cost of the hybrid's engine for the 2006-2007 models. The tax break is expected to amount to $200-$250. In addition, hybrid owners will receive a waiver of the County's special motor vehicle use fee of $15 (registration fee).

Nassau County HOV Lane (bill): Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa) petitioned state officials and the Department of Transportation to allow for a waiver of the two-passenger rule for use of the HOV lanes in Nassau County, to purchasers of hybrid vehicles.

Ohio
Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): H.B. 453 would establish a state tax credit for new hybrid vehicle purchases. Hybrid vehicles getting 40mpg or better according to EPA estimates would receive a $3,000 tax credit. Hybrid vehicles getting under 40mpg would receive a $2,000 tax credit. Introduced 12/15/05.

Oklahoma
Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): H.B. 2081 would grant a $1,500 tax credit for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle beginning in 2007. Introduced 2/6/06. Passed House 03/13/06. Introduced in Senate 03/14/06 and Referred to Finance Committee 03/20/06.

Pennsylvania
Hybrid Sales Tax Credit (bill): H.B. 220 would exclude the purchase price of electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and zero emission vehicles from the sales and use tax. Introduced 2/8/05 -- passed in the House 3/29/05. The bill is now in the Senate -- referred to Finance Committee 4/6/05. Re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee 5/11/05.

Plugin Hybrid Tax Exemption (bill): HB 2392 would exclude batteries and electronic equipment or services used or consumed in converting or manufacturing a plug-in hybrid vehicle from sales and use tax. Introduced and referred to the Finance Committee 1/26/06.

Registration and Inspection Fee Exemption (bill): H.B. 969 would exempt hybrid electric vehicles, electric vehicles, and zero-emission vehicles from the annual registration fee. It would also create a credit for the cost of the certificate of inspection for said vehicles that the official inspection stations could claim when they inspect one of these vehicles once in the calendar year. The vehicle owner is exempt from paying the cost of the certificate. Finally, the bill exempts hybrid electric vehicles that obtain 40 mpg in the city from required emission inspection. Introduced March 15, 2005 -- referred to Transportation Committee.

Rhode Island
Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): H 7724 would establish a personal income tax credit equal to one percent of the purchase price of a new hybrid vehicle (no more than $300) for the for the tax year beginning on January 1, 2007. Introduced 2/28/06 and referred to House Finance Committee.

Hybrid Sales Tax Cut (bill): H 7630/S 2546 would reduce the state sales tax for hybrid vehicles by 50 percent beginning July 1, 2006. Introduced 02/16/06 and referred to the Finance Committee.

Sales and Use Tax Exemption (bill): H.B. 5263 would exempt from sales and use taxes, the sale, storage use or other consumption of motor vehicles and related equipment exclusively powered by a clean alternative fuel, and would further exempt from such taxation the sale of any passenger car utilizing hybrid technology that has an estimated highway gasoline mileage rating of at least forty (40) miles per gallon. Introduced 2/1/05 -- referred to Finance Committee.

Carbon Fuel Reduction and Air Pollution Control (bill): H.B. 5330 would exempt from the sale and from the storage, use or other consumption in this state of (1) the purchase price paid for a new hybrid gasoline-electric, fuel cell or other hydrogen fueled vehicles; or (2) so much of the purchase price paid for a converted gasoline or diesel-fueled motor vehicle as is allocated to the cost of conversion; and (3) all costs associated with the construction of motor vehicle electric recharging stations or filling stations dispensing hydrogen fuel or other alternative fuels. Introduced 2/3/05 -- referred to Finance Committee.

South Carolina
Statewide Hybrid Tax Credit (bill): Reps. Merrill, Bailey, Altman and Coates introduced H. 4312, a bill that would give consumers buying hybrid vehicles a state tax credit equal to 20% of the federal tax credit scheduled to begin in 2006. Bill was refiled and referred to the House Ways and Means committee on 1/10/06. Introduced in Senate and referred to Finance Committee 4/26/06.

Tennessee
Hybrid Sales Tax Reduction & HOV exemption (bill): H.B. 2623 would reduce the sales tax rate for hybrid vehicles to 3.5% and permit hybrid vehicles into HOV lanes regardless of the number of occupants. Introduced 2/9/06. Amended to urge TN DOT to study the implementation of exempting low emission and energy-efficient vehicles from HOV requirements. Passed by both House and Senate and sent to Governor 5/3/06.

Hybrid HOV Exemption (bill): HB 3185/SB 3200 would allow hybrid vehicles to use HOV lanes. HB 3185 introduced 2/22/06 and referred to Transportation Committee 02/23/06. SB 3200 introduced 2/16/06 and referred to Transportation Committee 02/22/06.

Hybrid Sales and Use Tax Exemption (bill): H.B. 0855 and S.B. 0880 would eliminate the state sales and use tax on hybrid vehicles purchased and registered in the state. Defeated in Budget Subcommittee of Senate on 3/29/05 and House on 5/23/05. HB 0855 placed on Budget subcommittee (Finance, Ways and Means Committee) calendar 04/19/06. SB 0880 recalled from Subcommittee and Referred to Finance, Ways and Means Committee 5/10/06.

Texas
Hybrid Sales and Use Tax (bill): H.B. 1156 would reduce the normal sales and use tax rate of 6.25 % for new hybrid motor vehicles depending on their city fuel economy ratings. If a hybrid has a city fuel economy of at least 15 mpg but less than 30 mpg then the tax rate is 4.6 %. If a hybrid has a city fuel economy of at least 30 mpg but less than 45 mpg then the tax rate is 3.125 %. If a hybrid has a city fuel economy of at least 45 mpg but less than 60 mpg then the tax rate is 1.56 %. And, if a hybrid has a city fuel economy of 60 mpg than no tax is applied. Introduced on 2/17/05 -- referred to Ways and Means Committee.

San Antonio Hybrid Free Parking(bill): In January 2006, City Councilman Roland Gutierrez proposed that San Antonio develop a new pilot program that would grant owners of hybrid vehicles free parking at the city's meters. If approved, the city would give hybrid drivers free meter access for one year. After that, the city would conduct a cost/benefit assessment. The measure must still be adopted by City Council.

Utah
Business Loans and Grants for Hybrid Vehicle Purchase (bill): Clean Fuels Conversion and Vehicle Technology Program to allow business purchasing hybrid vehicles to be eligible to apply for loans or grants from the state Clean Fuels and Vehicle Technology Fund. 3rd reading in House Rules Committee 2/13/05.

Vermont
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Incentive And Large Vehicle Disincentive (bill): H.0251 would create an exemption in the purchase and use tax law for the first $10,000 of the purchase price of an alternative fuel vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. To fund the cost of the exemption, the bill also installs a tax on large engine vehicles defined as pleasure cars (23 V.S.A. & 4), or a light truck or sports utility vehicle. This engine displacement tax shall be $1.00 for each cubic inch of engine displacement in the excess of 200 cubic inches. Introduced on 2/15/05 – referred to Natural Resources & Energy Committee.

Exempting Alternative Fuel Vehicles From The Motor Vehicle Purchase And Use Tax, And Encouraging Development Of Infrastructure For These Vehicles (bill): S.0013 would exempt alternative fuel vehicles including hybrids from the motor vehicle purchase and use tax which would expire in July 1, 2007. It would also create an alternative fuel vehicle infrastructure loan program for low interest or interest free loans within the state bank to facilitate the conversion/construction of publicly available facilities for dispensing alternative fuels. Introduced 1/6/05 -- referred to Finance committee on 1/11/05.

Hybrid Vehicle Tax Exemption (bill): S.0120 and H. 370 would create a purchase and use tax exemption for hybrid vehicles which would apply to sales and uses after June 30, 2005 and before July 1, 2008. Introduced and referred to Senate Finance Committee 2/23/05. Introduced and referred to House Transportation Committee 2/25/05

Washington
Hybrid Internet Sales (bill): H.B. 3256 would allow automobile manufacturers, internet retailers, and other businesses to engage in the sale of new hybrid vehicles as long as those entities comply with relevant state tax, environmental, and consumer protection laws. Introduced 1/30/06. Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.


I hope I haven't duplicated anyone else's efforts or posted this to the wrong forum.