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.
Impact
The amendments introduced in SB1784 primarily impact how toll violations are enforced and how penalties are collected in Oklahoma. By capping the penalties, the bill aims to alleviate the financial burden on vehicle owners who may accrue multiple toll evasion penalties in a year. Critics and proponents may see this as a move to balance the interests of drivers who inadvertently violate toll regulations while ensuring that the state can maintain revenue from tolls and keep the turnpike infrastructure funded. By removing the option to contract with collection agencies, the bill centralizes the toll collection process within the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority, potentially streamlining procedures to contest or pay penalties.
Summary
Senate Bill 1784 seeks to amend the Oklahoma Electronic Toll Collection Act by instituting a cap on toll evasion penalties for vehicle owners. Under the proposed changes, these penalties would be limited to a maximum of fifty dollars per year per vehicle owner. Additionally, the bill removes the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority's ability to contract with collection agencies for the recovery of unpaid toll evasion penalties, placing a focus on administrative processes within the state authority itself. This bill is scheduled to take effect on November 1, 2024.
Contention
Discussions surrounding SB1784 highlight a notable contention regarding the authority of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority and local government control over toll regulations. While supporters argue that the bill creates a more equitable system for addressing toll evasion, opponents may raise concerns about the fairness of imposing penalties and the effectiveness of the internal administrative processes for contesting toll violations. The legislation's implications for potential revenue losses if penalties are not fully realized through collection could also lead to debates on fiscal management and enforcement authority.
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.
Motor vehicles; requiring the collection of certain fee for certain towed vehicles; providing for the collection and remittance of certain fee; effective date.
Turnpikes; requiring certain map to be prepared; requiring special election be called within certain time frame; requiring certain vote for proposed turnpikes; effective date.
Child care facilities; criminal history checks; requiring notification when there is a substantiated finding of heinous and shocking abuse; effective date.