Originally published March 7, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified March 7, 2007 at 2:03 AM
Gas tax for tribal land gets approval
The state could enter into agreements with tribes to allow continued collection of the state gas tax on the tribes' reservations under a...
OLYMPIA — The state could enter into agreements with tribes to allow continued collection of the state gas tax on the tribes' reservations under a measure passed by the Senate on Tuesday.
The measure passed on a 34-14 vote, with one lawmaker excused. It now heads to the House.
The measure is in response to a 2005 U.S. District Court ruling that upheld tribal sovereignty over taxation and opened the door for all tribal retailers to avoid the state fuel tax of 34 cents a gallon. The bill would rework state gas-tax statutes to ensure that tribes continue collecting the state tax, which will increase to 36 cents per gallon next year.
The bill would allow the revenue to be shared by the state and tribes per compact. State gas taxes are used for road projects.
The measure passed the Senate last year but got stopped in the House.
If all 15 tribes with gas stations had decided not to collect the tax, the state could have lost millions of dollars in revenue. Such a move also would have allowed tribal gas stations to significantly undercut prices at nontribal stations.
Last year, two tribes, the Swinomish and Squaxin Island, negotiated a revenue-sharing agreement with the state to allow continued collection.
The bill allows the state to negotiate compacts with the state's tribes on a case by case basis.
The state has similar compacts for liquor and cigarette taxation.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 11:36 PM
DNA, ballistics tie man to cop killing, police say
NEW - 11:28 PM
Greenwood merchants nervous after 3 more arsons
NEW - 10:56 PM
UW to honor war heroes with Medal of Honor shrine
NEW - 10:39 PM
Nicole Brodeur: Praise pours on the water man
NEW - 10:17 PM
Soldier from Whatcom County is killed in Afghanistan

Medal of Honor
Bruce Crandall and John "Bud" Hawk of Kitsap County say no one "wins" the Medal of Honor. The two recipients of the medal explain they weren't trying to be heroes - just do their duty.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Police: DNA from officer's slaying matches suspect
- How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall
- 3 Cascade Mountain passes close due to snow; more rain, wind expected Sunday
- Prosecutors consider charges against suspect in police shooting
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- Steve Kelley | Hasselbeck gives Seahawks' sagging season a stay of execution
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- Teenage serial burglar suspected in more Camano Island burglaries
- House health bill unacceptable to many in Senate
246 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
239 - Pelosi tours Seattle's Swedish after health-care vote
163 - Prosecutors prepare charges against suspect in police shooting
138 - Alleged shooter tied to mosque of 9/11 hijackers
135 - Obama puts heat on Senate to speed health bill
123 - Resolute Fort Hood soldiers ready for return
114 - McGinn more than doubles his lead over Mallahan
95 - Ayn Rand: goddess of the market, gateway to the American right
79 - Cutaia says replay handled properly on Austin TD
68
- For 80-year-old Maple Valley man, hoops aren't just a dream
- Plans call for Triangle to become West Seattle gateway
- Three more fires ignite in Greenwood
- 10 ways to take control of your health
- The birth of 'Grunge,' in photos by Michael Lavine
- 'Missing' SeaTac man found with new name, in new state
- Bombs, guns found at home of suspect in Officer Brenton's slaying
- Taste | Ruth Reichl still reigns as queen of America's culinary scene
- Silver Lake restaurant destroyed by fire
- Pakistani-American cafe, bar owner on verge of being Granite Falls mayor





