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SB 1273

An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in turnpike, further providing for electronic toll collection.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 5 co-sponsors

The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Turnpike electronic toll collection rules to update how tolls are collected, managed, and enforced electronically.

Referred to Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1273

Summary – Bill SB 1273 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Title: An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in turnpike, further providing for electronic toll collection
  • Actions: Referred to Transportation (April 17, 2026)
  • Sponsors: Senate co-sponsors Pat Stefano, Rosemary Brown, Camera Bartolotta, Elder Vogel, John Kane

SB 1273 proposes amendments to the Pennsylvania Turnpike laws related to electronic toll collection (ETC). The bill appears to focus on refining or expanding the framework governing how tolls are collected electronically on the Pennsylvania Turnpike system.

Purpose and intent

  • To modify provisions within Title 74 that govern electronic toll collection on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.
  • Likely aim: clarify, expand, or update the statutory authority and requirements for ETC systems, including how tolls are assessed, collected, and managed electronically.
  • The bill’s precise policy shifts (e.g., enforcement, fee structures, interoperability, privacy, or credit/debit handling) would be detailed in the specific statutory amendments to Title 74.

Key provisions and changes (anticipated themes)

Note: The exact text of the amendments is not provided here, but typical provisions in similar ETC updates may include:
- Definitions: Updated or added definitions related to electronic toll collection, transponders, license plate tolling, account management, and related technologies.
- ETC Framework: Clarifications on the operation of ETC systems on turnpike facilities, including where and how ETC is required or permitted.
- Toll Rates and Charges: Procedures for setting, updating, or applying toll rates for ETC users, including any distinctions between transponder-based and plate-based (video toll) systems.
- Account Management: Rules governing customer accounts, payment methods, refunds, and dispute resolution.
- Interoperability and Compliance: Requirements to ensure compatibility with other states’ ETC systems or compliance with federal standards.
- Privacy and Data Security: Provisions addressing collection, use, and protection of data gathered through ETC, including vehicle and payment information.
- Enforcement and Penalties: Mechanisms for enforcement of ETC requirements and any associated penalties for non-compliance.
- Administrative Implementation: Roles of PennDOT and turnpike commissions in implementing changes, rulemaking authority, and timelines for compliance.

Who would be affected

  • Turnpike Authority and PennDOT: Responsible agencies implementing ETC and issuing rules.
  • Turnpike users and motorists: Drivers who pay tolls electronically (transponder users and, potentially, plate-based tolling customers).
  • Toll service providers and account holders: Entities and individuals managing ETC accounts, billing, and payments.
  • Travel and commerce stakeholders: Vendors, technology providers, and contractors involved in ETC systems and associated infrastructure.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Referral: The bill was referred to the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee for consideration, indicating it will undergo committee review, potential amendments, and hearings before moving to the floor.
  • Implementation Timing: Any effective dates, phase-in periods, or transitional provisions will be specified in the bill’s text. If not immediate, expect staggered timelines for rulemaking, system updates, and customer notification.

Notes for readers

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated scope to amend electronic toll collection provisions within Title 74. For precise changes, the full text of SB 1273 and any accompanying committee reports would be necessary.
  • If you rely on turnpike tolling (transponders or plate-based tolling), you may want to monitor updates from PennDOT or the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission as the bill progresses, including any new fees, privacy provisions, or interoperability requirements.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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