Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island Senate Bill S2998

Introduced
3/4/26  

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

The introduction of S2998 is expected to impact state laws surrounding construction practices on public highways significantly. By requiring the installation of monitoring equipment, the bill seeks to provide clear visual documentation of any accidents occurring at work sites, bolstering the investigative process. Additionally, the legal implications include defined penalties for non-compliance, where contractors could face misdemeanor or felony charges based on the severity of violations, which elevates the importance of adherence among contractors operating within the state.

Summary

Bill S2998 aims to enhance safety on state roads during construction and maintenance activities by mandating that contractors employ traffic monitoring plans, which must include a crash truck or attenuator truck equipped with operational cameras. These requirements will take effect on January 1, 2027. The bill specifically targets projects overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) and the Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Authority (RITBA), promoting safer work environments for construction workers and state employees by ensuring that adequate measures are in place to monitor traffic and record incidents.

Contention

While S2998 enhances safety measures, there may be concerns regarding the implementation and financial implications for contractors. Critics could argue that the additional costs associated with procuring and operating such equipment might deter smaller firms from bidding on state contracts. Furthermore, discussions might arise about the effectiveness of the monitoring systems and whether they will significantly improve accident prevention or enforcement of accountability.

Enforcement

S2998 outlines stringent penalties for violations, such as a one-year misdemeanor for first offenses and escalating consequences for recurrent violations, reinforcing the importance of compliance. Additionally, contractors who breach these provisions could be barred from engaging in state contracts for up to five years, further ensuring that safety regulations are met and maintained for the protection of workers and the public.

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.