Corridor commuters and Princeton City Schools buses could soon pay less for fuel after Ohio lawmakers voted to suspend state gas and diesel taxes for 90 days.

The Ohio House passed House Bill 519 on Wednesday, Sept. 30, by a vote of 78-16, as reported by the Journal-News. The bill drops the 38.5-cent-per-gallon gasoline tax and the 47-cent-per-gallon diesel tax to 0.01 cent for the suspension period. The Senate also passed HB 519 on Sept. 30, 26-5, per Statehouse News Bureau. Gov. Mike DeWine is expected to sign it Thursday, Oct. 1, according to House Speaker Matt Huffman.

The bill carries an emergency clause, meaning it takes effect immediately upon DeWine's signature, Signal Ohio reported.

Princeton City Schools, which transports more than 5,200 students daily across Evendale, Woodlawn, Sharonville and Springdale, confirmed Sept. 29 that rising diesel prices were straining its bus budget, as we reported that day. Ohio's average diesel price hit $6.70 per gallon on Sept. 29, according to AAA. The 47-cent-per-gallon diesel suspension, if fully passed through, would lower costs for the district's contracted bus provider, First Student, Inc. The district has not disclosed how much more it is spending on diesel or whether routes could be affected.

How the money works

To replace lost road and bridge funding, HB 519 draws $725 million from the state's general revenue fund. DeWine had previously expressed skepticism about an earlier version that would have tapped Ohio Department of Transportation reserves. He signaled openness once lawmakers shifted to surplus general revenue dollars.

The bill requires wholesalers, refineries and importers to pass the full tax savings to consumers. Gas stations that do not comply could face penalties from the Ohio Department of Taxation and the Ohio Attorney General, according to the Columbus Dispatch.

Will drivers see the full savings?

That depends on whom you ask. Rep. Allison Russo, D-Columbus, estimated $55 per driver over three months on the House floor. The Dispatch cited a separate estimate of about $80. House Ranking Member Bride Rose Sweeney, D-Westlake, put the weekly figure at about $3.

Senate President Rob McColley, R-Napoleon, acknowledged full pass-through would be difficult. "I think 100% is a tough, tough number to hit just because of how volatile gas prices can be," McColley said Sept. 30. He estimated 80% to 90% of savings would reach consumers.

Some Democrats who voted against the bill estimated that 30% to 60% of the savings would stay with the oil and gas industry or retailers. Rep. Desiree Tims, D-Dayton, called the measure politically motivated on the House floor Sept. 30, according to the Dayton Daily News.

Price drops may also lag. Jeff Lenard, a spokesperson for the National Association of Convenience Stores, said retailers need to sell through fuel already purchased with the tax included before they can lower prices.

The idea moved from proposal to passage in nine days. The 90-day suspension is set to expire around the time Ohio's next governor takes office in early January 2027. Early voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 6.