Bill
SB 61
Prohibits tolling I-95 by the NC Toll Authority now; any future I-95 tolls require General Assembly approval (effective July 1, 2035), keeping I-95 toll-free in the near term.
Status (as provided): Introduced (passed first reading). Introduced 2025.
Purpose
- Prohibits the North Carolina tolling authority from imposing tolls on Interstate 95 (I‑95) for the near term and makes future tolling of I‑95 subject to the General Assembly’s prior approval.
Key provisions
- Amends G.S. 136‑89.198 (authority to toll existing interstates):
- Restates that the State tolling authority (the “Authority”) may collect tolls on existing interstate highways only with any required federal permission, and that toll revenues must be used to repair/maintain the tolled interstate (not adjacent primary or secondary roads).
- Inserts an exception for I‑95:
- The Authority may not collect tolls on I‑95.
- In a later provision, the bill makes tolling I‑95 permissible only with prior approval of the General Assembly (i.e., the Authority cannot unilaterally toll I‑95).
- Includes a severability clause (invalidation of part does not affect the remainder).
- Effective‑date language in the bill text:
- The provision that makes future tolling subject to prior legislative approval (Section 2) becomes effective July 1, 2035.
- The remainder of the act is effective upon enactment. (Under this structure the bill creates, in effect, an immediate prohibition on tolling under current law and defers the change establishing the General Assembly‑approval rule until the later date specified.)
Who would be affected
- Motorists and commercial traffic using I‑95 in North Carolina (would be protected from toll charges imposed by the State Authority).
- The North Carolina Turnpike/Tolling Authority (or other statutorily designated “Authority”) — limits its authority to implement tolls on I‑95.
- State and local transportation agencies and budgets — by removing or delaying tolling as a possible revenue source for I‑95, maintenance and improvement funding decisions could shift to state appropriations, federal programs, or other revenue mechanisms.
- Freight, transit and logistics stakeholders who rely on I‑95 (costs of shipments could be affected if tolling was otherwise planned).
Practical and policy implications
- Preserves toll-free travel on I‑95 in the near term and reserves the legislature’s role in authorizing any future tolling on that corridor.
- Could constrain a principal funding option (toll revenue or toll‑backed bonds) that state planners or the Authority might use for I‑95 upgrades or repairs, requiring alternative funding sources.
- May reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for drivers and trucking operations, but could also reduce locally available dedicated revenue for corridor projects.
- Federal approvals remain a prerequisite for interstate tolling generally; this bill operates in addition to federal requirements by placing a state‑level prohibition/legislative‑approval requirement on I‑95.
Procedural / timeline notes
- The bill text explicitly phases in the rule that tolling I‑95 requires prior General Assembly approval by making that particular provision effective July 1, 2035. The remainder of the bill (including the immediate prohibition) would take effect upon enactment.
- Because this summary is based on the bill text as provided, interested parties should consult the bill’s current status in the legislature and any later amendments for final language and the enacted effective date.
Sponsor(s) (from supplied materials)
- Primary sponsors listed in the provided materials include Senators B. Newton, Barnes, and Sawrey (and related sponsorship metadata). Check the official legislative docket for sponsor updates.
For more detail
- See proposed changes to G.S. 136‑89.198 in the bill text to review the exact statutory language, effective‑date clauses, and any accompanying legislative findings or fiscal notes if available.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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