Governor Ned Lamont has signed emergency bipartisan legislation (House Bill 5501) suspending Connecticut’s excise tax on gasoline, from April 1, 2022 to June 30, 2022. In addition, the legislation suspends fares on public buses statewide during that same period, and it creates a one-week sales tax holiday on clothing and footwear under $100, from April 10, 2022 to April 16, 2022. 

The state’s excise tax on gasoline is 25 cents per gallon. The legislation includes language asserting that failure by retailers to reduce the per-gallon price of gasoline by this amount during the suspension period will be considered an “unfair or deceptive trade practice.” 

The legislation was approved in the House and the Senate with unanimous support by lawmakers. 

 “With this bipartisan action, we are taking steps to provide some relief to consumers as they face rising prices due to a number of international dynamics and market instability that go far beyond our state. Connecticut is in a stronger fiscal position than ever before, and I am determined to use every tool available to provide relief for our residents. I am appreciative that legislative leaders from both parties successfully worked with my office to get this done, and I think these actions are a good indicator that in the coming weeks we will be able to once again come to a bipartisan agreement to provide more tax relief to the people of Connecticut,” Governor Lamont explained. 

“This legislation will provide genuine, tangible financial relief for Connecticut residents. The gas tax holiday will help drivers as all Americans struggle with the ‘Putin Price Hike,’” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-New Haven), adding “The free bus transportation and the additional sales tax holiday this April will benefit everyone, but especially low and moderate-income people.” 

Senate Minority Leader Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford, Monroe, Seymour, Shelton) agreed, “Connecticut Republicans called for suspending the gas tax. Today, lawmakers came together in a bipartisan vote to deliver tax relief to all Connecticut families. This is an important first step in providing needed relief to working and middle-class families to combat the crushing impact of inflation. But our work is far from done. We must continue working together to make Connecticut more affordable across the board. From health care costs to taxes, Connecticut families need relief.”