The proposed bill introduces the "Rhode Island Department of Transportation Efficiency and Performance Audit Act" by adding Chapter 13.2 to Title 42 of the General Laws. This legislation mandates the Rhode Island Department of Administration (DOA) to commission an independent efficiency and performance audit of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. The audit must be conducted by an entity with demonstrated expertise in transportation systems, infrastructure finance, and public-sector performance benchmarking, and it is required to be completed and delivered to the governor and the General Assembly by January 1, 2027.

The audit will encompass various areas, including project delivery efficiency, asset management, workforce and organizational structure, maintenance efficiency, financial management, and governance and oversight practices. It will also include a benchmarking component, identifying between five and ten peer states for comparison based on geography, climate, system size, and procurement rules, and will evaluate the department's performance using specific cost and performance metrics.

Furthermore, the audit will assess procurement and contracting practices, workforce capacity and outsourcing strategies, and maintenance and operations efficiency. Upon completion, the audit report will be submitted to the governor, the president of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the chairs of the house and senate finance committees, and it will be made publicly available on the DOA's website. The bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Transportation through comprehensive analysis and transparency.