Toll Roads' Red Tape Cut For First Responders: Murrieta Lawmaker

MURRIETA, CA — A state bill signed last week by Gov. Gavin Newsom will curb the bureaucracy of toll road usage by police, fire and other first responders, according to Assemblymember Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta), who introduced the legislation.

Assembly Bill 2270 signed into law by the governor on Friday will save time and money, while reducing paperwork for emergency service providers, according to Seyarto.

Prior to the bill's signing and moving forward, emergency vehicles are exempt from paying tolls (e.g. toll roads, high-occupancy toll lanes, toll bridges) under specific emergency circumstances but are otherwise liable for charges.

But in the past, an invoice was typically mailed each time an emergency vehicle used a toll facility and the agency had to review dispatch records and log books to determine whether the vehicle should be exempt from charges.

"This process imposes a time-consuming burden on emergency service providers," according to Seyarto's office.

Prior to the new law, an owner or operator of a toll facility and a local emergency service provider could enter into an agreement to streamline the process, but AB 2270 mandates they must if the local emergency service provider requests it.

"This bill is a simple fix that will ensure our emergency service departments and agencies have the efficiency and maneuverability to better serve their communities and the public at large,” Seyarto said. “This is especially important now that fire season is a year-round concern and more departments from across the state are being called to assist with emergencies outside their normal jurisdiction.”

Before being signed into law, AB 2270 passed through the state Senate and Assembly with no opposition and bipartisan support.

Seyarto was a firefighter for 35 years, serving in various Southern California cities. He retired in 2015 at the rank of battalion chief.

Seyarto was elected to the 67th Assembly District in 2020. The district includes the cities of Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Wildomar and a portion of the City of Hemet along with numerous unincorporated communities in Southwest Riverside County.

His political career began in 1991 when he moved with his family to Murrieta. He served the city as a public safety commissioner before being elected to the City Council in 1997. He served three terms on the council before his successful State Assembly bid.

Seyarto is currently running for state Senate District 32.