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LD 164

An Act To Exempt Authorized Emergency Vehicles From Tolls When Operating In An Official Capacity

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bruce Bickford and 1 co-sponsor

Exempts authorized emergency vehicles from Turnpike Authority tolls when in official capacity, cutting costs for first responders on official duty.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
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Bill Summary · LD 164

Summary: LD 164 — An Act To Exempt Authorized Emergency Vehicles From Tolls When Operating In An Official Capacity

Overview

LD 164 proposes to exempt authorized emergency vehicles from tolls on toll facilities operated by the Turnpike Authority when those vehicles are operating in an official capacity. The bill falls under the subject areas of first responders, powers, and turnpike authority governance.

What the bill would do

  • Exempt authorized emergency vehicles from toll charges when the vehicle is operating in its official capacity.
  • The exemption applies to tolls collected by the Turnpike Authority.

Note: The bill’s text defines “authorized emergency vehicles” and the precise scope, eligibility, and any administrative requirements, but those specifics are not provided in the available materials.

Scope and definitions

  • Eligible entities: Authorized emergency vehicles as defined by the bill (e.g., vehicles operated by first responder agencies such as police, fire, or emergency medical services).
  • Vehicle operation: Must be in official capacity at the time the toll would be charged.

Procedural history and status

  • Introduced: January 14, 2025
  • Committee action: Referred to the Committee on Transportation (January 14, 2025); Carried over in committee and scheduled actions followed:
    • January 14, 2025: Referred to Transportation
    • March 21, 2025: Carried over to the next special or regular session (per Joint Order SP 519)
    • April 10, 2025: Work session held; Voted ONTP (Ought Not To Pass)
    • April 16, 2025: Reported Out — ONTP
    • April 17, 2025: Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3, placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
  • Current status: DEAD for the 132nd Legislature session, meaning no further action is expected this term.

Potential impacts

  • On emergency services: If enacted, could reduce or remove toll-related costs for routine and emergency travel by authorized emergency vehicles when responding to incidents or traveling on toll facilities.
  • On toll operations and finance: Turnpike Authority would forego toll revenue for exempted vehicles, potentially requiring administrative processes or system updates to recognize and apply the exemption in official capacity.
  • On affected agencies: May simplify billing for vehicles operating in official capacity; could necessitate verification mechanisms to ensure only eligible trips receive the exemption.

Why this matters

The bill aims to support first responders by removing toll barriers during official duties, aligning toll policy with the operational realities of emergency response. Its current status as DEAD indicates it did not advance in the current legislative session, though similar proposals could be revisited in future sessions.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar toll-exemption proposals from other years or provide a brief glossary of terms like “authorized emergency vehicle” and “Joint Rule 310.3.”

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

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