Rep. Paré files bill in North Carolina House to study highway funding alternatives

A new bill filed by State Rep. Erin Paré in the North Carolina House seeks to explore alternatives to the current gas tax system for highway funding, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 837 on April 8 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Study Alternative Methods for Highway Funding.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates a study to explore alternative methods for highway funding in North Carolina. The Legislative Services Officer, with the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee, will issue a request for proposals by Nov. 1, 2025, to select a consultant who will examine potential replacements or supplements to the current gas tax reliance. The study will consider implementing a fee structure for electric and hybrid vehicles, including options like a vehicle miles traveled fee or a flat annual fee. Additionally, it will evaluate an annual State Highway “Access User Fee” for non-diesel vehicles. Findings and recommendations are due by May 1, 2026. The Department of Transportation will transfer $125,000 to fund the study. Unused funds will revert to the Highway Fund. This act takes effect July 1, 2025.

Of the four sponsors of this bill, Pare proposed the most bills (36) during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Paré graduated from George Mason University in 2000 with a BA.

Paré, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2021 to represent the state’s 37th House district, replacing previous state representative Sydney Batch.