The bill amends various sections of the General Laws related to the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority and the Department of Transportation, enhancing their powers and responsibilities. It allows the Turnpike and Bridge Authority to adopt bylaws, maintain an office, sue and be sued, issue bonds, and charge tolls for transit over bridges and facilities. The authority is also granted the ability to acquire property, designate access points, employ personnel, and enter contracts with other governmental entities. Public hearings are mandated before finalizing specifications or awarding contracts for projects.

The bill specifically authorizes the Department of Transportation to charge tolls exclusively for large commercial trucks, while explicitly prohibiting tolls on passenger vehicles and other types of vehicles. It establishes the Rhode Island Bridge Replacement, Reconstruction, and Maintenance Fund to collect revenues from these tolls for bridge-related expenses. The bill includes provisions for penalties for toll evasion and emphasizes transparency in the toll-setting process, requiring a cost-benefit analysis and public comment opportunity before tolls are fixed.

Additionally, the bill mandates quarterly reporting on the implementation progress and construction contracts, and it includes a severability clause. It also amends the equality of opportunity requirements for bidders by clarifying the inclusion of women in the definition of minority business enterprises, while removing the specific plan requirement for minority business enterprises. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5777: 24-12-9, 42-13-2