North Carolina Lawmakers Pass Gas Tax Suspension Bill

North Carolina lawmakers approved the Relief at the Pump Act, a bipartisan measure that suspends the state's 41-cent per gallon gas tax until November 30, 2026. The legislation passed the House of Representatives 111-1 and the Senate 41-0. Governor Josh Stein is expected to sign the bill on October 9, 2026, a move that could save motorists approximately $362 million.

The action follows a sharp increase in fuel costs, with regular unleaded gas in the state averaging $4.12 per gallon, representing a rise of over 42% from the previous year. Republican State Representative Donnie Loftis defended the bill as necessary economic relief, while Democratic State Representative Jordan Lopez described the special session as "performative," suggesting the relief should have been implemented sooner.

This legislative move mirrors executive actions taken by Governor Brian Kemp in Georgia to suspend fuel taxes. In contrast, leadership in South Carolina has declined to provide similar relief despite requests from Attorney General Alan Wilson to use reserve funds for a tax suspension.