Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H8464

Introduced
4/17/26  

Caption

Requires any contractor performing construction or maintenance for RIDOT, RITBA or any other construction on any state roads have in place an attenuator truck/crash truck with an operational camera.

Impact

This bill will amend Chapter 24-8 of the General Laws, thus restructuring how construction and maintenance work is conducted on state roads. Specifically, contractors will be required to submit a comprehensive traffic monitoring plan to the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA) as part of their bidding process. The introduction of crash trucks at work sites is anticipated to promote safer conditions by deterring accidents and providing crucial evidence if incidents do occur.

Summary

House Bill H8464 aims to enhance safety for road workers and the public by mandating the use of crash trucks equipped with operational cameras at construction sites on state roads. Effective January 1, 2027, all contractors engaged in road construction or maintenance projects must implement a traffic monitoring plan that includes these measures. The legislation is part of a broader effort to prevent accidents and ensure accountability in the event of an incident involving road workers or state employees.

Contention

Notable points of contention around H8464 may arise concerning the enforcement of penalties stipulated in the bill. Violations can result in serious consequences, including misdemeanor charges for first-time offenders and felony charges for repeat offenders within a five-year period, leading to potential prison time and substantial fines. Furthermore, contractors found in violation could be barred from state contracting opportunities for up to five years. This strict regulatory approach may spark debates regarding the balance between ensuring contractor accountability and potentially stifling the businesses that undertake state projects.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5145

Allows for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of eight thousand pounds (8,000 lbs.) or less to have passenger registration license plates.

RI H5776

Directs the RITBA design a safety barrier or netting system on the several bridges within its authority. Any newly constructed bridges with a deck height of over one hundred feet (100 ft) would be required to have safety barriers of safety netting.

RI S0710

Directs the RITBA design a safety barrier or netting system on the several bridges within its authority. Any newly constructed bridges with a deck height of over one hundred feet (100 ft) would be required to have safety barriers of safety netting.

RI S0031

Exempts the trade-in value of pickup trucks weighing fourteen thousand pounds (14,000 lbs.) or less from sales and use tax.

RI H5054

Requires that the state and all municipalities that construct buildings after January 1, 2026, budget for maintenance on a yearly basis, at least five-tenths percent (0.5%) of the total construction cost.

RI H5100

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

RI S0501

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

RI S0248

Utility relocation costs related to highway construction to be partially or fully paid for by the state.

RI H5317

Utility relocation costs related to highway construction to be partially or fully paid for by the state.

RI S0057

Requires that all maintenance of sidewalks along state highways, with the exception of snow and ice removal, be the responsibility of the state.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.