The bill amends Section 24-12-37 of the General Laws concerning the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority, introducing new provisions aimed at addressing toll violations and evasion. It establishes a framework for penalties associated with nonpayment of tolls, including the requirement for the authority to notify E-ZPass account holders before reporting them as toll violators or evaders to the Division of Motor Vehicles. This notification must occur when the prepaid toll account balance falls below the minimum required amount or reflects a negative balance.

Additionally, the bill introduces Section 24-12-37.3, which requires the authority to create rules and regulations addressing E-ZPass transponder failures. These regulations must include proactive customer outreach and education regarding potential equipment malfunctions, as well as a standardized process for mitigating or forgiving tolls and penalties resulting from transponder issues. The authority is mandated to implement a comprehensive framework to address known and foreseeable transponder failures, including battery end-of-life failure and signal degradation.

The rules and regulations must also require the authority to maintain a proactive outreach program to notify account holders of transponder battery lifespan, known failure risks, and steps to verify proper operation. Furthermore, the authority is tasked with publishing these regulations and providing an annual report to the General Assembly detailing transponder failure trends, outreach efforts, and the number and aggregate dollar amount of tolls, fees, and penalties waived, reduced, or refunded. The bill emphasizes fairness, transparency, and consumer protection in administering toll enforcement related to equipment failures beyond the reasonable control of account holders.

Statutes affected:
2728: 24-12-37