Video & Transcript Research : 'tolls'
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WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee Sep 15th, 2025
Joint Oregon-Washington Legislative Action Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- We've been working on our program management plan for the Toll Division and our partners to deliver tolling
- We've been working on our program management plan for the Toll Division and our partners to deliver tolling
- things that come with a new toll facility.
- That’s critical from a tolling standpoint, because once you put tolls on it, even fewer people will drive
- That's critical from a tolling standpoint, because once you put tolls on it, even fewer people will drive
Summary:
The committee met jointly with the Washington-Oregon Legislative Action Committee for an update on the Interstate 5 Bridge Replacement (IBR) program. Members first adopted the proposed committee rules, then received program updates from staff on environmental review, permitting, design, tribal consultation, and public engagement. Staff said the project remains in the supplemental EIS process, with a final supplemental EIS and amended record of decision expected in early 2026, which would allow construction to begin. They also described ongoing work on Coast Guard navigation clearance, Section 106 historic-property coordination, and architectural guidelines for the bridge and five-mile corridor, emphasizing that the visualizations shown were conceptual and that public and partner feedback has already influenced design considerations such as accessibility and shared-use path connections.
Members raised concerns about schedule delays, rising costs, and whether the project is being designed to be functional, safe, and economical. Staff acknowledged that the timeline has slipped from earlier expectations and said the delay reflects the complexity of the environmental and federal review process, as well as the need to avoid redoing steps. They said the updated cost estimate is being prepared now that design has advanced to roughly 30 percent, and that it will account for inflation, risk factors, and both fixed-span and movable-span options. Staff estimated a movable span would add more than $400 million and said the first construction work after environmental approval would likely be preliminary freeway and retaining-wall work in late 2026, followed by the bridge procurement.
The committee also received funding and tolling updates. Staff reported that major federal grants have been executed, including Mega and Bridge Investment Grant agreements, and that state STIP amendments are advancing to allow access to federal funds. The tolling team described Level 3 traffic-and-revenue work, a bi-state tolling subcommittee process, and possible toll scenarios aimed at supporting either about $1.24 billion or $1.6 billion in toll revenue. Members questioned low-income toll relief timing, truck toll rates, and the effect of tolls on freight users. Staff said low-income discounts are being analyzed for both revenue and operational feasibility, that tribal exemptions and other policy exemptions are under review, and that the commissions expect to move into public outreach on toll rates and policies in 2026, with tolling on the existing bridges currently projected to begin in spring 2027.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- the road tolls. the road tolls.
- Eight election cycles and tolls. tolls. tolls.
- . toll. toll.
- be tolled.
- doubling of the tolls. doubling of the tolls.
Summary:
The work session focused first on SP 492, a bill intended to give the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services authority to lease or license property for housing and related uses. Major General David Mikolitis testified that the bill is aimed at addressing affordable housing for junior enlisted service members, especially those assigned to Pease Air National Guard Base who currently face long commutes because of the Seacoast housing shortage. He said the most likely uses would be converting limited barracks space in Pembroke or Stratford into apartment-style or extended-stay housing, and possibly allowing office/co-op space for federal civilians, though he emphasized the primary purpose is housing for junior ranks. He also said any development would likely be done by a private developer through an RFP, with costs borne by the developer rather than the department.
Committee members asked about whether the bill could apply to commercial uses, how taxes would work, whether revenues would go into the general fund, and whether the concept could be expanded statewide. Mikolitis said the intent was housing only, not commercial development like a Starbucks, and that any developed property would be taxable locally rather than remain tax-exempt. He said revenues would go into a dedicated Veteran Services Property Fund and be used for facilities, not the general fund. He also explained that the department has about 20 armories statewide but sees only a few viable locations for this concept, mainly Pembroke, Stratford, and possibly one other site, because the goal is to serve personnel within roughly a 45-minute drive of Pease. He noted that a proposed seven-acre parcel near Pease had already been approved by the Pease Development Authority but still needed FAA approval, and he was not optimistic about using that land for housing because of contamination and redevelopment costs. Committee discussion ended with members indicating support for OTP, but the chair said the vote would have to wait until 11 o'clock and then closed the work session on SP 492.
The committee then opened a work session on SP 627 and heard testimony from Jim Jelbert, owner of CJ Bus Lines and chair of the legislature’s transportation council, who spoke in support of the bill. Jelbert argued that the measure would allow New Hampshire to raise tolls and generate significant revenue for the 10-year highway plan without directly taxing citizens, and said the money could address congestion and safety problems, including work on I-93 in Manchester and other statewide projects. He estimated the bill could generate substantial revenue over time and said toll credits could help leverage federal matching funds. He also said improved roads would benefit businesses like his by reducing vehicle wear and improving efficiency. The transcript cuts off before any committee action on SP 627 is recorded.
NH
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Turnpike toll use Turnpike toll credits.
- Now, this is about tolls. I Hampshire. Now, this is about tolls.
- Yet we pay higher tolls on the Mass Turnpike, higher tolls in Connecticut, and higher tolls in New York
- still excess uh toll fund uh excess toll still excess uh toll fund uh excess toll credits<01:35:
- match the need for toll toll credits to match the need for toll toll credits to match those<01:35
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Concerns related to toll roads in Texas that continue collecting tolls long after the original construction
- This would extend the tolls by a public vote every five years, so in our view, it's not really a toll
- Under current law, toll entities can proceed with new toll projects without the guaranteed requirement
- And it would allow these local toll entities... to do it, and that means they can degrade our non-toll
- HB5347 allows the freeway lanes to be connected into tolls as long as they construct at least one non-toll
Keywords:
high-speed rail, Texas Department of Transportation, TxDOT, public-private partnership, comprehensive development agreement, CDA, Interstate 35, I-35 corridor, Dallas, Waco, Austin, San Antonio, intercity passenger rail, rail infrastructure, private entity, transportation infrastructure, rail corridor, passenger rail, infrastructure finance, vehicle registration
MD
Transcript Highlights:
- Did he raise or lower this toll? >> He lowered the toll. >> Yes, he did.
- And that is toll.
- And that is toll.
- pay a toll to get on to 695. pay a toll to get on to 695.
- 27.839>
tolling <00:51:28.720>facility the entire tolling facility the entire tolling facility
Summary:
The House convened with 124 members present, opened with prayer, and approved the previous day’s journal. Members then adopted a congratulatory House resolution honoring the Kent Island High School boys lacrosse team for winning the 2025 Maryland Class 2A state championship. The House also journalized Baltimore City 2026 bond/loan authorization resolutions and moved a series of introductory House bills and bond initiatives through first reading and committee referral without objection.
On the special order calendar, House Bill 28, concerning higher education/private career schools advertising, received a favorable report and was ordered printed for third reading. House Bill 226, creating a Department of Disabilities housing programs and affiliated foundations structure, was also reported favorably as amended. Two floor amendments were adopted to that bill: one clarifying that any affiliated foundation may only raise funds or provide support and may not run programs or set policy, and another restoring conflict-of-interest and ethics protections, including limits on family members and public ethics application requirements. A later amendment to HB 226 was rejected by a recorded vote of 95 in the negative, and the bill was ordered printed for third reading.
The most extended debate centered on House Bill 229, which increases the Maryland Transportation Authority’s revenue bond limit from $4 billion to $5 billion to help finance the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild. One amendment sought to prohibit toll increases without General Assembly approval; its sponsor argued the added borrowing would likely lead to future toll hikes and that elected representatives should vote on them. The floor leader opposed the amendment, saying it would weaken MDTA’s independent rate-setting authority, harm its bond rating, and increase financing costs, while noting the bill is intended to cover bridge reconstruction costs and federal reimbursement timing. After debate, the amendment failed on a recorded vote, and HB 229 was ordered printed for third reading.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- So until the legislator fixes that problem of eternal tolls and has a plan and statute to take the toll
- once, to take the toll once the debt is paid off, no deal on a public toll, on a public vote on toll
- A toll on a toll road when they when they're getting trying to get through an emergency or something
- This would unfairly target toll road users to pay for other toll roads and free roads elsewhere that
- It's obvious I'm against toll roads.
TX
Transcript Highlights:
- Of indefinite tolling by establishing a clear requirement for toll cessation once a project financial
- So in our view, it's not really a toll cessation bill, it's a toll continuation bill.
- Those special interests who want toll roads. A toll road that is on to that is on the road already.
- Under current law, toll entities can proceed with new toll projects with that guaranteed requirement
- Right now, T dot's required to have an equal number of non-toll highway lanes as toll lanes whenever
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Interim Joint Committee on Transportation (7-14-25)
Transcript Highlights:
- And the tolling, when we toll that, how will that be divided?
- And the tolling, when we toll that, how will that be divided?
- tolls will be split 5050. tolls will be split 5050.
- policy and toll rates.
- They were supportive of tolls on it. >> Set a toll policy and toll rates.
Summary:
The committee first approved the minutes from its June 3 meeting and received an opening update on transportation revenues. Leadership noted that the gas tax formula dropped 4.1 cents on July 1, reducing road fund revenue by about $125 million, and warned that city, county, rural, and secondary road funding will be affected. The chair said the committee would likely have to be selective about transportation project requests given the reduced revenue outlook.
The main presentation was an update on the I-69 bridge project. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials said the project is the missing link in the Henderson-Evansville corridor and is being delivered in three sections, with Kentucky leading section two. They said section two is a $933 million project, with Kentucky’s share described as $58 million and the balance Indiana’s, and that toll revenue will be used to finance the project through a TIFIA loan and Garvey bonds. Officials said Kentucky and Indiana have executed an agreement under House Bill 546 to use tolls, are working on a broader bi-state development agreement, and will ask the General Assembly next session to carry forward $150 million in general funds without conditions and to ratify the agreement. Members asked about the timeline, toll sharing, whether tolls would sunset, and whether US 41 bridges would remain open for local traffic; officials said construction is planned for 2027, tolling would begin in 2031, toll revenue would be shared 50/50, and at least one US 41 bridge would remain open for local use.
The committee then heard a combined update from the Department of Vehicle Regulation and the Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing on implementation of several recent changes. Officials reported that the new registration category for special-purpose vehicles is fully operational statewide, with all counties enrolled and 292 vehicles processed so far; they also said counties received at least five plates each and that the program is permissive, not mandatory. They described implementation of Senate Bill 43’s medical review board reforms and third-party driver’s license issuance framework, saying the medical review process has been updated and that third-party partners may eventually handle easier transactions such as renewals, name changes, and address changes, while initial issuances would remain at KYTC regional offices. They also reported that the sheriff’s inspection process has been integrated into CAVIS, reducing paperwork and fraud and improving tracking. Members asked about communication to counties and cities with differing local rules, the number of counties participating, and how to coordinate multiple policy changes; officials said all counties are enrolled, though not all have submitted applications, and that they are still finalizing the scope of third-party services.
AL
Bills:
SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307, SB210, SB292, HB360, HB233, HB66, HB356, HB164, HB238, HB209, SB223, HB307
Keywords:
hospital liens, medical billing, government healthcare, insurance claims, patient rights, education oversight, subpoena authority, investigation, State Superintendent, school misconduct, drug courts, accountability, veterans, mental health, substance abuse, rehabilitation, criminal justice, court intervention, terrorist threat, terroristic threat
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (02/24/2026)
Public Works and Highways
Transcript Highlights:
- dollar and getting a dollar in toll dollar and getting a dollar in toll credit<00:11:53.600>
- <00:12:17.200>
credits we are okay with with the toll credits we are okay with with the toll - Whether or not we earn toll program.
- If we were to spend toll program.
- If we were to spend toll credits<00:13:05.920>
or <00:13:06.160>make <00:13:06.399>toll
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- <01:22:54.560>
credits for the sale of turnpike toll credits for the sale of turnpike toll - New Hampshire is one of 30 states eligible to use toll credits, and in states that have toll credits,
- So when you use a toll credit, you're replacing one-to-one toll credit for $1 of federal funds.
- That's how toll credits work.
- That's how toll credits work.
LA
Transcript Highlights:
- When the tolls went on, the economy plummeted.
- Yet we're allowing this tolling company, if the tolls go back on, to collect another $700 million in
- tolls.
- We're allowing this tolling company, if the tolls go back on, to collect another $700 million in tolls
- My son hit one of the toll roads. There were two tolls. He went the distance of 37 miles.
Summary:
The Finance Committee met on May 27, 2026, with six members present and took up a series of House bills, most of them dealing with education funding, criminal justice staffing, transportation, health care access, and economic development. HB 325 was reported favorably after testimony that it would expand TOPS eligibility by allowing dual-enrollment credits to satisfy eligibility criteria and by making part-time students eligible for TOPS Tech, with supporters saying the program has been underused and the change would help working students. HB 719 was amended and reported favorably to increase assistant district attorney positions in various judicial districts; the Louisiana District Attorneys Association said the changes were based on workload data and local input, and members discussed the need to coordinate any expansion with public defender funding. The committee also reported HB 749 favorably, which would move Louisiana’s 529 savings accounts to a more secure online platform after a cyber incident, and HB 1028 favorably, which concerns transportation reimbursement for providers and was described as already subject to appropriation.
Several bills focused on food access and local economic development. HB 1222, the Grocery Initiative Act, was reported favorably to let LED use existing grant resources to map food deserts and develop a program, with members noting it could return for funding later if needed. HB 1194 was amended and reported favorably to define food deserts and direct the LSU AgCenter and the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to identify and map them, with authors emphasizing it was a study and not a government-run grocery program. HB 755, which would create IDIQ contracting for architects and engineers on smaller state projects, was reported favorably with no fiscal impact. HB 823, a local diversion pilot for Orleans Parish, was also reported favorably after the fiscal note was revised to remove state impact and reflect only local costs.
The committee spent substantial time on HB 488, a proposal from Plaquemines Parish to use severance-tax revenue to help buy out a private toll concession on the parish’s bridge. The author and local officials described severe toll burdens, economic harm to local businesses, and what they called an unfair contract, but members noted the bill was not funded and ultimately deferred it without a motion. HB 797, the Bayou Gold/Louisiana Sound Money Act, was amended to make implementation subject to appropriation and then reported favorably. The committee also took up HB 198, which would raise Medicaid reimbursement for ambulatory surgery centers for certain outpatient procedures; after extensive discussion about fiscal notes, access to care, and potential long-term savings, the bill was amended to narrow its scope and make implementation subject to appropriation, then reported favorably as amended. The meeting ended with the chair noting it would be the committee’s last meeting and asking members to spread the word.
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- Which is relative to the use of toll credits. And could I have a motion?
- This was relative to the toll rate adjustments.
- ability to raise um the toll rates. ability to raise um the toll rates.
- <00:13:35.519>
fees toll fees toll fees and<00:13:38.240>the <00:13:38.880>u <00 - should we end up having the um toll should we end up having the um toll credits.<00:22:28.559>
NH
New Hampshire 2026 Regular Session
House Public Works and Highways (01/20/2026)
Public Works and Highways
Transcript Highlights:
- You also might have heard discussion that, well, you had toll funding, so you agreed to when the tolls
- or changing out the uh toll boost to all<03:31:29.600>
electronic <03:31:30.080>tolling - <03:45:33.439>
And toll increase, which is correct. And toll increase, which is correct. - , or relocate toll gantries.
- toll down the<04:12:36.800>
toll <04:12:37.120>boost.
MA
Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session
Joint Committee on Transportation Jun 21st, 2026 at 01:00 pm
Joint Committee on Transportation
Transcript Highlights:
- across that network that, unlike current tolling that can only be used on roadways, can also be used
- Now, we understand that roadway tolling is not politically popular.
- while drivers on other major interstates—I-93, I-95, I-84, and others—travel toll-free.
- while drivers on other major interstates—I-93, I-95, I-84, and others—travel toll-free.
- highway maintenance, but only certain regions are asked to pay tolls on top of those costs.
Summary:
The Joint Committee on Transportation heard testimony on a range of bills focused on transportation funding, governance, and equity. Supporters backed proposals to create a North Central Massachusetts intercity passenger rail fund tied to a possible new gaming license (H. 3680/S. 2363), local parking assessments (H. 3756), third-party delivery fees (S. 2356/H. 3774), broader roadway pricing and congestion management measures (S. 2353/S. 2354), tolling equity and regional transit authority advisory boards (S. 2400/S. 2401), and Steamship Authority oversight reforms including board term limits (S. 2395). Testimony in favor emphasized new dedicated revenue sources, commuter rail expansion, regional equity, improved oversight, and better transit access for riders and communities that rely on public transportation.
There was also testimony in opposition to the third-party delivery fee bills from Chamber of Progress, which argued the fee would raise costs for consumers, small businesses, and delivery workers, could reduce demand and jobs, and might not achieve the intended environmental benefits. Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts opposed H. 3633, a transit expansion, electrification, and resiliency bill, specifically objecting to its mandatory project labor agreement requirement and saying it would limit competition and disadvantage non-union contractors and workers.
Several witnesses spoke in favor of the Steamship Authority bill, saying term limits would improve transparency, accountability, and board turnover. The committee also heard detailed support for the North Central rail proposal from a legislator, the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, and a transportation advocate, who described the bill as a way to generate long-term bonded revenue for rail infrastructure. After testimony concluded and no questions remained, the chairs entertained and received a motion to adjourn.
TX
Texas 89th 2nd C.S.
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- toll collection for certain customers, right?
- of the toll roads?
- me on Text toll roads and highways 183, 183A, 71, 290, 45, and Moack and Austin.
- Green, I have a quick question for you on, on the toll roads.
- Are the toll roads built by private institutions?
Bills:
HCR7
NH
Transcript Highlights:
- You can find out whether or not toll credits can or cannot be used.
- You can find out whether or not toll credits can or cannot be used.
- You can find out whether or not toll credits can or cannot be used.
- <02:01:26.400>
credits it is and deal with the toll credits it is and deal with the toll credits - <02:01:38.320>
credit we can put it in with the toll credit we can put it in with the toll
TX
Texas 89th Regular
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs Apr 7th, 2025
S/C on Defense & Veterans' Affairs
Transcript Highlights:
- So, tolling authorities are created.
- the toll roads?
- TxDOT toll roads and highways 183, 183A, 71, 290, 45, and Mopac in Austin.
- Up until I received a bill dated September 28, 2022, I had never been charged for tolls.
- A question for you on the toll roads: Are the toll roads built by private institutions?
Keywords:
Veterans of Foreign Wars, veterans, commemoration, military service, recognition, September 29, waiver programs, toll roads, discount programs, transportation, affordable housing, land bank program, low-income households, Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation, HB 2061, Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 225, State Highway 242, Interstate Highway 69, Montgomery County
KY
Kentucky 2026 Regular Session
Government Contract Review Committee (4-13-26)
Transcript Highlights:
- They're a toll services advisor.
- <00:04:35.720>
They They're a toll services advisor. - They They're a toll services advisor.
- So, can you speculate what percentage of toll revenue they're actually collecting?
- Indiana would love to have a toll-free Indiana would love to have a toll-free bridge,<00:06:47.360
Summary:
The committee first approved the March 10 minutes and then moved through a large agenda of contract reviews, including a deferred Kentucky Transportation Cabinet item tied to Louisville bridge tolling and RiverLink. Transportation officials explained that the contract was part of a bi-state arrangement with Indiana: Indiana Finance Authority held the main contract with HNTB, while Kentucky needed a mirror contract to pay its 50% share under the bi-state management agreement. Members questioned why the work was treated as effectively no-bid, how much input Kentucky had in vendor selection, RiverLink’s collection performance, and when tolls might end. Transportation said Kentucky had equal representation in selection, HNTB served as a toll services advisor, collections and customer service had improved, and tolls are expected to remain until debt obligations are paid off in 2058. Several members criticized the company’s past performance and voted no as a statement of concern, but the contract still moved forward.
The committee then deferred a Kentucky State University item because the vendor was not registered with the Secretary of State. It also approved the overall agenda and contract review lists. A Board of Optometric Examiners contract drew significant discussion: board representatives said they had previously relied on the Public Protection Cabinet for legal services, but that office lacked staff and advised them to seek outside counsel. Some members argued the committee could not approve a contract that appeared to conflict with statute, while others said the board should not be left without legal counsel and that the Attorney General should be brought in to resolve the issue. The committee ultimately voted to defer the optometric contract for one month and requested the Attorney General appear at the next meeting.
Finally, the committee reviewed an Administrative Office of the Courts amendment for the Court of Appeals building project. Staff explained that the General Assembly had authorized the project, the design contract had already gone through multiple approved phases, and the current item was only an administrative correction to a prior modification amount. Members approved the amendment, with one member noting appreciation that the project costs had been reduced when an error was found.