Relates to the adjudication of toll collection violations

BILL NUMBER:S7608

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to adjudication of toll collection violations

Purpose

To authorize the New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Bridge Authority to establish an administrative tribunal to adjudicate the liability of owners for violation of toll collection regulations.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Adds three new subdivisions, 15, 16 and 17, to section 2985 of the public authorities law. Subdivision 15 authorizes and empowers a public authority that operates a toll highway, bridge or tunnel facility to impose an administrative fee or fees on an owner, operator or account holder that has violated toll collection regulations. Subdivision 16 allows any required notice to be sent, with consent, by electronic means of communication. Subdivision 17 authorizes the New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Bridge Authority to adopt rules and regulations establishing an administrative tribunal to adjudicate the liability of vehicle owners for violation of toll collection regulations.

Section 2. Amends subdivision 10 of section 1209-a of the public authorities law to exclude penalties, evaded tolls and other charges collected and paid to the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority from the requirement that such penalties be deposited in a transit crime fund established by such authority.

Section 3. Effective date.

Justification

This bill would strengthen the ability of the Thruway Authority and the Bridge Authority to effectively manage and enforce the collection of tolls throughout the State. Toll violators cost the tolling authorities tens of millions of dollars each year, and the current law is outdated and ineffective in enforcing against persistent violators. Some persistent violators owe in excess of $100,000 in tolls and fees.

Current law requires that violations of toll collection regulations be adjudicated through local courts, creating a burdensome process for the affected public authorities to go after offenders which often results in violators not facing consequences for their actions. Allowing the Thruway Authority and the Bridge Authority to establish administrative tribunals to adjudicate toll collection violations would greatly strengthen their ability to manage and enforce the collection of tolls at the facilities they operate.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law.