The proposed bill introduces the "Rhode Island Department of Transportation Efficiency and Performance Audit Act," which 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. 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 benchmark the department's performance against that of five to ten peer states selected based on geography, climate, system size, and procurement rules.

Furthermore, the audit will evaluate procurement and contracting practices, workforce capacity and outsourcing strategy, 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. The final audit report will be made publicly available on the DOA's website. The bill emphasizes the need for the Department of Transportation to cooperate fully with the audit and provide access to all necessary records, data, contracts, and personnel.