A pair of Capital Region lawmakers on Sunday announced plans to introduce legislation that would cap the state’s gas tax when the price of fuel hits $2.25 a gallon and suspend the tax altogether when prices reach $3 per gallon.

Sens. Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville, and Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon, said their legislation, which has not yet been drafted, would provide relief to motorists that have been impacted in recent weeks by record-high fuel costs and direct money for projects funded through the gas tax such as road and bridge repairs when fuel prices drop.

The bill would phase-in the suspension of the state’s gas tax when fuel prices reach $2.25 per gallon and fully suspend the tax when prices hit $3 per gallon. When prices dip below $3 per gallon, the tax would be reinstated and any funds collected would be directed to infrastructure repair projects, according to a news release.

If approved, the legislation would save motorists 33 cents per gallon when the tax is fully suspended, according to the release.

Tedisco said the plan is a “win-win for taxpayers, small business New York state’s coffers.”

“Our cap and suspend plan will give inflation relief while prices begin to rise and continue until inflation abates and prices go back down to a more reasonable range,” he said in a statement.

The legislation comes amid soaring gas prices brought on in part of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine last month. The average gallon of regular gas in New York is currently $4.34, which is 10 cents higher than the national average and a 49% increase compared to a year ago, when the average price for fuel in the state was $2.91 per gallon in the state, according to AAA.

State lawmakers have been discussing a number of options to provide motorists relief at the pump, including an either full or partial suspension of the gas tax or some type of rebate program.

Gov. Kathy Hochul told reporters in Albany last week that a potential reduction in the gas tax was on the table as lawmakers continue to negotiate a new budget ahead of the state’s new fiscal year, which begins Thursday.

New York isn’t the only state weighing plans aimed at addressing high fuel costs.

In California, Gov. Gavin Newsome, a Democrat, unveiled a proposal last week to provide residents a $400 rebate per vehicle as a way to combat soaring gas prices, which have are averaging $5.91 per gallon, according to AAA.

Connecticut, Maryland and Georgia have temporarily suspended their gas tax, and similar plans are being discussed in West Virginia and Florida, according to a recent CBS News report.

Tedisco and Jordan said they plan to push their legislation to be included as part of the state’s budget due April 1.

“This new legislation is thoughtful, comprehensive, and a smart solution to our gas price crisis,” Jordan said in a statement. “Our bill should be part of the final 2022-23 State Budget so New Yorkers can finally see that some real help is on the way.”

Contact reporter Chad Arnold at: 518-410-5117 or carnold@dailygazette.net. Follow him on Twitter: @ChadGArnold.