California gas-price misery continues as tax rises to 63.4 cents on July 1

The state’s excise tax on gasoline, at 61.2 cents per gallon, surges to 63.4 cents per gallon on July 1. Former Gov. Jerry Brown and the Legislature in 2017 adopted SB 1, a measure that raises the state’s gas tax every July 1 based on inflation. The legislation also hiked the state’s base gasoline excise tax by 12 cents a gallon, increased the diesel tax and inflated vehicle registration fees, with with proceeds earmarked for transportation projects. The governor and legislators said the tax receipts would refurbish state roads in dire need of repair.