The bill, S.B. No. 2722, introduces new regulations regarding the use of toll revenues and charges imposed by counties with populations of four million or more. It establishes that such counties may only utilize the revenues collected from tolls for specific purposes, including operating and maintaining projects, retiring related debt, and financing project costs. Additionally, it mandates that a portion of the remaining revenues be allocated to municipalities for law enforcement and emergency services during toll project incidents, while the rest can only be used for county road maintenance. An independent auditor will review compliance with these regulations, and any violations may result in civil penalties.

Furthermore, the bill stipulates that counties found in violation of these regulations will face civil penalties, which will be calculated based on the amount of revenues misused. If a county incurs a second violation, it will be subject to a higher penalty rate. Additionally, counties that incur such penalties will be restricted from adopting a tax rate exceeding their no-new-revenue or voter-approval tax rate in the following tax year. The collected penalties will be directed to the state highway fund for transportation purposes. The provisions of this bill will take effect on September 1, 2025.

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