Bill > S09343

This bill requires the New York State Thruway Authority to provide public notice and hold a public hearing before implementing any new fees or surcharges, or making a "material change" to existing ones. A "fee" or "surcharge" is defined broadly to include any charge related to tolls, toll programs, or toll accounts, even those imposed on third-party providers or specific customer groups. A "material change" encompasses establishing a new fee, increasing an existing one, or creating a new category of account holders subject to a fee. The bill mandates that these fees and changes, which are considered part of the "toll" itself, must follow the same public notice, publication, hearing, and approval procedures as toll rate adjustments. This includes publicly posting the proposed fee details, notifying affected parties in writing, allowing at least a thirty-day public comment period, and holding at least one public hearing, with a record maintained. Additionally, the Authority must provide a written justification for any fee or surcharge, explaining the costs it aims to recover and the reasoning behind the amount. Any fees or surcharges adopted in violation of these new requirements will be void and unenforceable until the procedures are followed.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9343