Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes tolls on large commercial trucks.

Highlights:

• Authorizes tolls for large commercial trucks traveling on bridges as long as the Department of Transportation first conducts a cost benefit analysis and provides the public an opportunity to comment (Sec. 6)

• Prohibits a toll facility from assessing a toll on the same truck more than once per day in each direction (Sec. 6).  

• Prohibits the department from collecting tolls on other classifications of vehicles (Sec. 6).

• Requires the Division of Taxation to offer a rebate program for the motor fuel tax paid to the state for large commercial trucks, effective January 1, 2017 (Sec. 3).

• Requires the Division of Taxation to offer a rebate program for property taxes paid by an individual or entity to any city or town within the state for large commercial trucks (Sec. 8).

• Specifies that a taxpayer who pays a registration fee for large commercial trucks is entitled to a tax credit equal to the amount paid, effective January 1, 2017 (Secs. 9 & 10).

• Establishes a $500,000 economic development fund for commercial trucks that frequently ship to or from T.F. Green airport (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a $2.5 million economic development fund for commercial trucks that frequently ship to or from Quonset Business Park (Sec. 7).

• Prohibits an individual from receiving economic development benefits totaling greater than 70% of the tolls they paid each year (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an individual from receiving more than $13.5 million each year in total rebates, tax credits, or economic development benefits under the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text