The bill amends Section 42-13.1-4 of the General Laws regarding the Rhode Island Bridge Replacement, Reconstruction, and Maintenance Fund. It authorizes the collection of tolls exclusively on large commercial trucks for the purpose of funding bridge maintenance and operations. The tolls will be established following a cost-benefit analysis and public comment, and they will be collected using all-electric, cash-less methodologies.

Additionally, the bill introduces an exemption from tolls for large commercial trucks engaged in waste management operations under contract with municipalities, specifically those transporting solid waste to and from the central landfill, except for tolls on the Pell Bridge in Newport. These exempt trucks must be outfitted with a device similar to RFID to facilitate the exemption. The bill clarifies that tolls will not be regulated by any state or municipal authority other than the department responsible for toll collection. This act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
8181: 42-13.1-4