12/12/03-Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation Oct. 8 that could raise tolls on state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area.
The new law permits increasing the base toll for a five-axle truck from its present $8.25 per trip to $9.25 per trip after July 1, 2004. When combined with a $1 surcharge to pay for seismic upgrades that was added several years ago, the total toll paid by truckers now is $9.25, which could increase to $10.25 under the bill.
SB916 requires all the cities and counties within that area, including the city and county of San Francisco, to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties must list how the extra toll money would be used.

10/7/03-A bill that could raise tolls on state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area has been sent to the governor.
SB916, introduced by Sen. Don Perata, D-Alameda, would increase the base toll for a five-axle truck from its present $8.25 per trip to $9.25 per trip after July 1, 2004. When combined with a $1 surcharge to pay for seismic upgrades that was added several years ago, the total toll paid by truckers now is $9.25, which could increase to $10.25 under the bill.
It would require all the cities and counties within that area, including the city and county of San Francisco, to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties would have to list how the extra toll money would be used.
The Assembly voted 41-33 in favor of the bill Sept. 8. The Senate approved it 25-14 on Sept. 11.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

9/9/03-The Assembly has voted in favor of a bill that could raise tolls on state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area.
SB916 would increase the base toll for a five-axle truck from its present $8.25 per trip to $9.25 per trip after July 1, 2004. When combined with a $1 surcharge to pay for seismic upgrades that was added several years ago, the total toll paid by truckers now is $9.25, which could increase to $10.25 under the bill.
The bill would require all the cities and counties within that area to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties would have to list how the extra toll money would be used.
The Assembly voted in favor of the bill Sept. 8, but with an amendment unrelated to the tolls. Although it previously passed the Senate, it is being returned to that chamber so the Senate can vote on amendments.

8/27/03-The Assembly Appropriations Committee has voted in favor of a bill that could raise tolls on state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area.
SB916 would increase the base toll for a five-axle truck from its present $8.25 per trip to $9.25 per trip after July 1, 2004. When combined with a $1 surcharge that was added several years ago to pay for seismic upgrades, that brings the total toll paid by truckers to $9.25, which could be increased to $10.25 under the bill.
SB916 would require all the cities and counties within that area, including the city and county of San Francisco, to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties would have to list how the extra toll money would be used.
The bill passed the Senate June 4 by a vote of 23-14. It is now scheduled for a vote before the full Assembly.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

8/14/03-The Assembly Appropriations Committee has scheduled a hearing on a bill that could raise tolls on state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area.
The hearing on the bill, SB916, is set for Aug. 20. The bill would increase the base toll for a five-axle truck from its present $8.25 per trip to $9.25 per trip after July 1, 2004.
The bridges currently also charge a $1 surcharge to pay for seismic upgrades or retrofit. That brings the current total toll paid by big rig drivers to $9.25, which would potentially increase to $10.25 under the bill.
SB916 would require all the cities and counties within that area, including the city and county of San Francisco, to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties would have to list how the extra toll money would be used.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

7/18/03-A measure that would set the conditions for a $1 increase in tolls on state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area has passed both the Senate and its first test in the Assembly.
Under SB916, the toll for a five-axle truck on state-owned bridges would increase from its present $8.25 per trip to $9.25 per trip after July 1, 2004.
The bill would require all the cities and counties within that area, including the city and county of San Francisco, to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties would have to list how the extra toll money would be used.
The measure passed the Senate 23-14 in June and passed the Assembly Transportation Committee 11-5 in early July. It is now before the Assembly Appropriations Committee, which must vote on the bill before it can move to the Assembly floor.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

5/20/03-Drivers crossing state-owned bridges in the San Francisco Bay area could face a $1 increase in tolls under a bill now before the Senate.
Under SB916, introduced by Sen. Don Perata, D-Alameda, the toll for a five-axle truck on state-owned bridges would increase from its present $9.25 per trip to $10.25 per trip after July 1, 2004.
The bill would require all the cities and counties within that area, including the city and county of San Francisco, to hold elections on the $1 increase. In addition, the counties would have to list how the extra toll money would be used.
The Senate Transportation Committee approved the bill by a 9-4 vote on May 6. It was then sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
For Senate bill status, call (916) 445-4251.