The Oklahoma Electronic Toll Collection Act; creating certain exemption. Effective date.
Impact
This legislative change will have a significant impact on state laws governing the collection of tolls on turnpikes. Specifically, the bill mandates that vehicle owners be liable for any toll violations occurring with their vehicles unless they can prove non-liability—such as cases where a vehicle was stolen at the time of the infraction. The bill does not alter the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's ability to set toll rates and collect fees, allowing them to maintain existing revenue structures while improving the enforcement mechanisms for violators.
Summary
Senate Bill 741 updates the Oklahoma Electronic Toll Collection Act by amending existing statutes regarding toll collection systems. It specifically introduces a new exemption for school buses from toll charges while using Oklahoma turnpikes. By adjusting the definitions associated with denoting toll violations and the responsibilities of vehicle owners, the bill aims to streamline the toll collection process in the state. Additionally, it establishes clear parameters for vehicle owners regarding the liability for toll evasion, particularly focusing on the role of photo-monitoring systems in enforcing compliance.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise over the implications of heightened liability for vehicle owners. There are concerns that this could disproportionately affect low-income drivers or those with vehicles registered to them but regularly operated by others. Moreover, while the exemption for school buses is designed to support educational transportation, some may argue that it could yield inconsistent enforcement practices and potential revenue losses for the Turnpike Authority.
Motor vehicles; requiring the collection of certain fee for certain towed vehicles; providing for the collection and remittance of certain fee; effective date.
Turnpike Authority; capping toll evasion penalties to fifty dollars per vehicle owner per year; removing ability of Authority to contract with collections agencies to collect toll evasion penalties. Effective date.
Child care facilities; criminal history checks; requiring notification when there is a substantiated finding of heinous and shocking abuse; effective date.