Senate recalls and passes proposal to raise vehicle fees

The Delaware Senate has recalled and passed a Democratic proposal House Bill 140, to raise vehicle fees to pay for road and infrastructure improvements.

Following closed-door meetings, the Democratic-led Senate late Tuesday rescinded a straight party-line vote from last week in which the bill failed to win a three-fifths majority. Senators then approved the measure 15-to-6, with three GOP votes.

The action removed a key roadblock to agreement on other spending bills for the fiscal year that starts Wednesday.

The legislation, which now goes to Gov. Jack Markell, will include increases to several Department of Motor Vehicle fees that have gone largely unchanged since 1990. The funding will be used for DelDOT projects in all three counties in the coming years.

According to reports, the bill will raise $24 million annually, that ultimately will result in nearly $300 million over the next six years, for critical upgrades that will make Delaware’s roads and bridges safer. In addition, the new infrastructure spending will generate 1,300 new construction jobs, according to the White House Council of Economic Advisors.

Once enacted, the DMV fee increases will take effect on October 1st.