With Californians facing some of the highest gas prices in the nation, Senate Democrats refused to even consider a proposal that could have delivered more than $1,100 in annual relief for working families. Authored by Senator Tony Strickland (R–Huntington Beach), Senate Bill 1035, also known as the Gas Tax Relief Act, would suspend the gas tax for a year by lowering it by $1.08 per gallon, saving a family of four at least $1,100.
Senator Strickland requested that SB 1035 be brought to the floor for discussion and a vote. Severin Borenstein, an economist with UC Berkeley Haas, agreed that a holiday gas tax suspension could help drivers during an energy hearing earlier this month.
Senator Strickland’s motion failed. He released the following statement:
“At a time when affordability is the top concern for families, Senate Democrats said hell no to much-needed financial relief. This was a missed opportunity to take action.
“Other states are either offering temporary gas tax holidays or seriously considering proposals to help drivers. Here in California, despite all the talk about fighting for affordability and California being a leader on policy, Sacramento Democrats are falling in line with Governor Newsom and refusing even to discuss relief at the pump.
“This is unbelievable. You can’t make this stuff up.”
States that have suspended their Gas Tax:
According to tax policy tracking by Avalara, the following states have actually enacted some form of gas tax holiday or temporary suspension in 2026:
Georgia: On March 20, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gas in Georgia was $3.79. The governor suspended the motor fuel excise tax from March 20 through May 19, 2026.
Indiana: On April 8, the average price for a gallon of unleaded gas in Indiana was $4.14. The governor temporarily suspended the state’s 7% gasoline sales/use tax for 30 days starting April 8 through June 7.
Utah: On February 23, the governor signed HB 575, which approved a 15% reduction in the state gas tax from July through December 2026. At that time, the price for a gallon of unleaded gas was $4.48.
In addition, the following states are discussing a Gas tax holiday: Florida, Maryland, New York, and Pennsylvania.
Well-known Democrats are calling for relief for drivers:
Democrats U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Gas Prices Relief Act to lower gas prices by temporarily suspending the 18.4 cents-per-gallon federal gas tax through October 1, 2026.
Democrat San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan has called for a temporary suspension of California’s gas tax.
Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, continues to advocate for suspending or rolling back parts of California’s energy regulations tied to fuel prices.