Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025
Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would eliminate the 12% federal excise tax (a sales tax) currently charged on heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and tractors when they are first sold. These are large commercial vehicles that weigh over certain thresholds and are used for highway transportation. Currently, the money from this tax goes into the Highway Trust Fund, which pays for roads, bridges, and other surface transportation projects across the country. **Who It Affects** The bill would directly benefit truck manufacturers and companies that purchase heavy trucks and trailers, as they would no longer pay this 12% tax. Indirectly, it could affect highway infrastructure funding since the tax currently generates revenue for road and bridge maintenance and improvements.
Supporters might argue lower costs could benefit consumers through cheaper shipping, while critics would likely be concerned about reduced funding for infrastructure projects. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced in the House but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. It was sponsored by Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA).
CRS Official Summary
Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025This bill repeals the 12% federal excise tax imposed on the first retail sale of certain heavy trucks, trailers, and tractors that generally are used on the highway.As background, a 12% federal excise tax is imposed on the sale price (of the first retail sale) oftruck bodies and chassis suitable for use with a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight of over 33,000 pounds;truck trailer and semitrailer bodies and chassis suitable for use with a vehicle having a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds; andtractors that are generally used for highway transportation in combination with a trailer or semitrailer, have a gross vehicle weight over 19,500 pounds, and have a gross combined weight of greater than 33,000 pounds.Amounts collected from the excise tax on the retail sale of heavy trucks, trailers, and tractors are deposited into the Highway Trust Fund. (The Highway Trust Fund supports surface transportation programs and projects.)Under current law, the excise tax on the retail sale of heavy trucks, trailers, and tractors expires on October 1, 2028.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.