Bill

HB 3048

83(R) - 2013
Transportation & Infrastructure

Vote Recommendation

Yes
  • Neutral
  • Neutral
  • Positive
  • Neutral
  • Neutral

Author(s)

Larry Phillips

Bill Caption

Relating to remedies for nonpayment of tolls for the use of certain toll projects

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated. The remedies provided to local toll project entities could result in a positive fiscal impact from increased collections of unpaid tolls and fees. Increased workload to courts would be offset by fees assessed as provided for by the bill. Net fiscal impact to local courts is not anticipated to be significant.

Bill Analysis

Summary of Legislation: This legislation authorizes the publication of names of habitual offenders of unpaid tolls.  This bill authorizes payment plans with offenders of toll fees and authorizes suits for non-payment of toll fees.  Written notice is required for out of state offenders and failure to pay is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $250.  This legislation would prohibit habitual offenders from operating a motor vehicle on a toll project; if found in offense, the penalty is a Class C misdemeanor.  Additionally this bill would grant the state denial of vehicle registration power and the power to impound the motor vehicle of a habitual offender under this legislation.  The toll project use of these remedies is optional. 

Notes: This bill is an attempt to enforce toll road user fees. Tolls are user fee designed to pay debt owed on the construction of the transportation project. Users who refuse to pay tolls shift the cost to users who do pay. This legislation would promote personal responsibility and ensure that responsible toll payers are not forced to subsidize those who refuse to pay.