Oklahoma Turnpike Authority; requiring certain billing information be cross-checked; effective date.
Impact
The bill highlights the OTA's increased capability to impose civil penalties for toll evasion. Vehicle owners may be held financially liable for violations if the registered owner is deemed responsible for toll payment failures, especially if such violations are captured through a photo-monitoring system. The legislation also outlines the procedures for resolving disputes over alleged toll evasion, thereby potentially reducing legal ambiguities and assisting the OTA in its enforcement roles.
Summary
House Bill 3558 proposes amendments to the Oklahoma Electronic Toll Collection Act, specifically concerning the responsibilities and liabilities of vehicle owners associated with toll collection on turnpikes. The bill mandates the implementation of cross-checking billing information to minimize errors in toll invoicing and enhances the authority of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) in managing toll collection operations. Through these measures, the bill aims to improve the overall efficiency of toll collection and enforcement procedures.
Contention
Controversies surrounding HB 3558 may arise from its stringent penalties and the automatic liability imposed on vehicle owners for toll non-payment. Critics may argue that the bill places unfair burdens on vehicle owners, especially those who may not be the actual toll violators. The legislation mandates prompt payment of assessed tolls and penalties, linking them to vehicle registration renewals, which could raise issues related to fairness in enforcement, particularly in instances of billing errors or the use of rented vehicles where registration is not straightforward.
Turnpikes; requiring certain map to be prepared; requiring special election be called within certain time frame; requiring certain vote for proposed turnpikes; effective date.
Turnpikes; removing authority to revise toll rates from certain authority; requiring legislative approval for toll increases; stating process of approval or disapproval for toll increases. 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.