A new bill filed by State Rep. Frank Iler seeks to explore alternative funding methods for North Carolina highways beyond the current gas tax system, 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, Erin Paré 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.
Ller graduated from Campbell University with a BA.
Ller, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2009 to represent the state’s 17th House district, replacing previous state representative Bonner Stiller.
| Authors | Bill Number | Date Filed | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frank Iler, Erin Paré, Jake Johnson, and Steve Tyson | HB 837 | 04/08/2025 | Study Alternative Methods for Highway Funding. |
| Frank Iler, Diane Wheatley, Hugh Blackwell, and Phil Shepard | HB 741 | 04/02/2025 | Veterans Registration Plate Modifications. |
| Frank Iler, Allen Chesser, Jeffrey C. McNeely, and Phil Shepard | HB 652 | 04/01/2025 | Transportation Goods Unit Pricing Cost. |
| Frank Iler, Diane Wheatley, Robert T. Reives, II, and Ted Davis, Jr. | HB 569 | 03/27/2025 | PFAS Pollution and Polluter Liability. |
| Frank Iler, Allen Buansi, Renée A. Price, and Tricia Ann Cotham | HB 513 | 03/25/2025 | Strengthen Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. |
| Frank Iler and Ya Liu | HB 444 | 03/18/2025 | Homeowners Association Reform Bill. |
| Frank Iler | HB 394 | 03/13/2025 | Distracted Driving/Children and Animals. |
| Frank Iler, Brenden H. Jones, Karl E. Gillespie, and Steve Tyson | HB 295 | 03/05/2025 | Req. DOT to Install Prop. Corner Markers. |
| Frank Iler and Charles W. Miller | HB 140 | 02/17/2025 | Authorize Gullah Geechee Heritage Trail. |
| Frank Iler | HB 117 | 02/12/2025 | Ocean Isle Beach/Sunset Beach/Parking Fees. |
