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.

Additionally, the bill establishes a project management program and an asset management system within the Department of Transportation, appoints a chief operating officer, and reorganizes divisions for improved efficiency. It introduces a new section that allows the Department of Transportation to charge tolls specifically for large commercial trucks to fund bridge maintenance, reconstruction, and replacement, while prohibiting tolls on passenger vehicles. A new fund is created to manage the revenues from these tolls, which will be dedicated to bridge-related expenses.

The bill includes penalties for toll evasion, mandates public involvement in the toll-setting process, and establishes new reporting requirements for the Turnpike and Bridge Authority, including quarterly reports on significant contracts and employment statistics. It also amends the equality of opportunity provisions by ensuring that bids include a specific written plan for minority business enterprise participation, clarifying the inclusion of women in this definition. The act will take effect upon passage.

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