North Carolina Lawmakers Convene Special Session to Cut Gas Tax

The North Carolina General Assembly convened a special legislative session in Raleigh on Wednesday, October 7, to consider suspending or reducing the state's 41-cent-per-gallon gas tax. House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate leader Phil Berger called the session after securing the required three-fifths support from both chambers, citing the need for immediate relief for families, farmers, and businesses as fuel prices soar due to military conflict in Iran.

Republican lawmakers intend to use the state's budget surplus and a $3.77 billion rainy day fund to maintain road funding during the proposed tax suspension. Current AAA data indicates regular gas is averaging $4.09 and diesel $6 per gallon, significantly higher than the previous year.

Democratic state Senate leader Sydney Batch criticized the timing of the session, which occurs one month before November elections, characterizing the move as politically motivated. Other legislative Democrats described the session as a distraction from the Republican record.

Simultaneously, Governor Josh Stein provided separate relief by suspending the enforcement of laws that prohibit the use of non-taxed red-dyed diesel fuel on highways. This waiver, which extends through December 2026, is intended to assist farmers during the harvest season and provide immediate aid to truck drivers.